Filmmaker Accuses Levinson of Stealing 'Euphoria' Vision

Filmmaker Petra Collins has resurfaced allegations claiming Sam Levinson appropriated her artistic vision for the HBO series 'Euphoria.' In a previously published interview, Collins stated Levinson reached out to her agency, expressing interest in her directing a series inspired by her photographs. She developed concepts and initiated casting, but HBO reportedly declined to hire her, citing her youth.

Collins later saw a billboard for 'Euphoria,' describing its aesthetic as a direct copy of her work. She expressed shock and distress, noting this had happened before in her career but never on such a large scale. She described the series as an "exorcism" that forced her to alter her artistic style.

These claims have reignited online criticism of Levinson. A source close to Levinson, however, downplayed the accusations, suggesting he only offered to "throw her name in the ring" and that any creative decisions were ultimately HBO's.

This situation mirrors prior controversies involving Levinson and HBO. A March 2023 report indicated that Amy Seimetz was replaced as director of 'The Idol' despite completing 80% of the series. Reports suggested co-creator Abel Tesfaye felt the show leaned too heavily into a "female perspective," leading to Levinson taking over.