If you’ve spent any time on the internet over the last decade, you know Eugene Lee Yang. He’s the one with the razor-sharp jawline, the even sharper wit, and that uncanny ability to look better in a dress than most people look in their Sunday best. But lately, the comment sections on 2nd Try videos look a little different. People are asking the same thing over and over: Where is Eugene?
Honestly, it’s the end of an era.
Eugene from Try Guys isn't just "busy." He’s officially moved on. After ten years of eating everything on the menu and trying every weird trend under the sun, Eugene announced his departure in May 2024. It wasn't a snap decision. It wasn't some hidden drama. It was a long, slow goodbye that actually started years before we even knew it.
The Real Reason Behind the Exit
Let’s get one thing straight: the Ned Fulmer scandal didn't cause Eugene to leave. It actually did the opposite.
Behind the scenes, Eugene had been planning to step away as early as 2022. He had scripts to write. He had books to finish. He was ready to be a "serious" filmmaker. Then, the internet exploded. When the news broke about Ned’s workplace affair, the Try Guys brand was in total freefall.
Instead of jumping ship when things got messy, Eugene stayed. He reinvested. He realized that if he left right then, the whole company might collapse. So, he put his personal dreams on the back burner for two more years just to make sure Keith Habersberger and Zach Kornfeld weren't left holding a sinking ship.
Mental Health and the "Influencer" Burnout
In his final "Love, Eugene" video, he was pretty blunt about why he couldn't stay. The internet is a weird place. For a creator like Eugene, who pours every ounce of his identity into his work—like that stunning "I'm Gay" coming-out film—the constant demand for "content" became a grind.
He admitted that being an influencer just wasn't the right space for him anymore. It’s exhausting. You’re expected to be "on" 24/7, and for someone who wants to create high-art cinema and epic literature, the YouTube algorithm is a bit of a cage. He needed to preserve his mental health. You can’t blame the guy for wanting to breathe.
What is Eugene Doing Now?
So, what does life after 2nd Try look like? It’s not like he’s just sitting on his porch. Eugene is currently juggling more projects than most of us have tabs open.
- The Big Screen: He’s working on his feature film directorial debut. This isn't just a "YouTube movie"—he's working with heavy hitters like Killer Films to package a script he’s been obsessing over for years.
- The Novelist Era: He signed a massive deal with Macmillan (Feiwel & Friends) for a queer YA fantasy duology called The Unders. The first book is slated for a 2025/2026 release.
- Graphic Novels: Remember Buckaroo? It’s a "twisted horror fantasy musical" graphic novel he's doing with Vault Comics. Yes, it sounds exactly like something Eugene would dream up.
- Voice Acting: After killing it as Ambrosius Goldenloin in Nimona, he’s still keeping his foot in the door with voice work, including a stint in Star Wars: Visions.
Is He Still an "Owner"?
This is the part that confuses people. Even though you won't see Eugene trying on labor pain simulators or getting a colonoscopy on camera anymore, he still owns a piece of the company.
He remains a co-owner of 2nd Try LLC. He still has a say in the big-picture creative direction. He’s basically like that cool older brother who moved to New York to become a famous artist but still keeps a key to the house and checks in on the family business.
The New Era of the Try Guys
While Eugene is off writing the next great queer epic, Keith and Zach haven't just been sitting around. They launched their own streaming service, 2ndTry TV, and expanded the cast significantly. They brought in familiar faces like Kwesi James, Miles Bonsignore, and Ash Perez to fill the void.
It’s a different vibe. It’s less about "four specific guys" and more about a whole squad of people trying things. And honestly? It works.
Eugene’s legacy is everywhere in the new format. He helped build the foundation of what 2nd Try is today: a place that values diversity, weirdness, and absolute authenticity. He didn't just leave a hole; he left a blueprint.
What You Can Do Next
If you’re missing your favorite "catty, gay, and Asian" icon, here is how you can actually support his new path:
- Pre-order his book: Keep an eye out for The Unders at your local indie bookstore. Pre-orders are huge for first-time authors.
- Follow the right accounts: Eugene is mostly off the "influencer" grid, but his official social channels still drop updates on his film and literary projects.
- Watch Nimona: If you haven't seen it on Netflix, go watch it. It’s the best evidence of why Eugene belongs in Hollywood and not just on a laptop screen.
The transition from "Eugene from Try Guys" to "Eugene Lee Yang, Filmmaker and Author" is finally happening. It might be bittersweet for fans who grew up with him, but seeing someone actually follow their passion—instead of just chasing views—is pretty rare in the digital age.
He gave us ten years. Now, it's his turn to try something for himself.