The most violent moment in ‘Euphoria’ reveals a far more technical —and unexpectedly relaxed— filming process behind the scenes.
The latest episode of ‘Euphoria’, titled ‘The Ballad of Palladin’, has once again placed the series at the centre of the conversation. With escalating tension and sharp narrative turns, the story builds towards an intense and graphic sequence led by Jacob Elordi that has left audiences stunned.
(Spoiler) Following the unexpected wedding between Nate and Cassie —played by Sydney Sweeney— the calm quickly unravels. Upon returning home, Elordi’s character is violently attacked by Naz in a scene that pushes the show’s limits, culminating in the shocking amputation of one of his toes.
Despite the raw brutality seen on screen, the filming process was far more controlled than it appears. Jack Topalian, who plays Naz, offered insight into the production during an interview with Page Six. “There’s a moment where my character cuts off part of the body and really enjoys it,” he explained, highlighting the level of detail required for the sequence.
That realism came with its own challenges. The tools used on set were sharp enough to pose an actual risk. “I had to be very careful because at one point I place the pliers around Jake’s toe. If I squeezed too hard, I could have actually cut it,” Topalian revealed. To prevent any accidents, the production relied on carefully crafted prosthetics, though the tension on set remained tangible. Still, everything ran smoothly. “There were no mistakes or accidents,” he confirmed.
The scene, which took several days to film, also showcased Elordi’s physical commitment to his role. According to his co-star, the actor performed much of the action himself. “He’s the one fighting, falling and moving throughout the entire sequence. He’s fully involved,” Topalian said, underlining Elordi’s dedication.
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the story, however, lies in the atmosphere off camera. Despite the intensity of the material, the set was far from tense. Instead, it was marked by a lighter, more relaxed energy. “As soon as the director said ‘cut’, he went back to being himself. Even after shooting such a heavy scene, he was joking around and having a good time,” Topalian recalled.
He also praised Elordi’s professionalism and personality, describing him as “committed, generous and prepared”, while adding: “He’s an incredible person, and an extraordinary actor.”
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