Euphoria’s Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje Responds to Backlash Over Rue’s Death

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje has addressed the reaction to Euphoria’s shocking season 3 finale, which saw his character Alamo play a central role in Rue’s death. Speaking at the MPTF NextGen Summer Party, the actor said the show belongs to its fans and that any backlash is ultimately theirs to express. He added that he had “done my part” and would leave the response to viewers.

In the Sunday, May 31 episode, Alamo gave Rue pain pills that were laced with fentanyl, confirming that he knowingly provided drugs he expected would trigger her relapse. The episode also revealed that he intended to kill her after learning she was working with the DEA to bring him down.

Akinnuoye-Agbaje praised Zendaya’s performance and noted that Euphoria is largely told through Rue’s perspective, which makes her death especially significant. He also said the series’ ensemble structure leaves room to explore other characters and storylines, including those connected to Rue’s circle, Laurie’s gang and Alamo’s network.

The actor said the show’s creator, Sam Levinson, brought strong religious themes into the season and tied them to the final episode, which he described as a reckoning shaped by the consequences of each character’s choices. He called the ending poetic, poignant and responsible in its message.

He also discussed the revenge-driven arc involving Ali, played by Colman Domingo, which followed Rue’s death and led to a Western-style standoff that ended with Alamo being killed. Akinnuoye-Agbaje said Levinson’s concept blended Western imagery with the show’s modern setting in a way that elevated the narrative.

Looking ahead, the actor said he would be open to returning as Alamo in some form, possibly through a spinoff. He said the character has a rich backstory and expressed interest in exploring how Alamo became the man viewers saw on screen. Euphoria is currently streaming on HBO Max.