Yahoo Lifestyle After Three Years And Alleged Drama Behind The Scenes, HBO Confirmed The Start Of Production On "Euphoria" Season 3 With A Single Image
It has been almost exactly three years since Euphoria Season 2 aired its final episode, which concluded a wild season that featured so many viral moments it's hard to name every single one.
The sophomore season of the critically acclaimed HBO drama series earned three Emmy nominations, including Zendaya's second Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series win.
The season was also nominated for Outstanding Drama Series, and Sydney Sweeney was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
Since the final episode aired in February 2022, a lot has happened behind the scenes of Euphoria, so much so that many believed the show would not return for a third season.
HBO officially renewed the show for a third season shortly before the Season 2 finale aired.
For starters, following the completion of Season 2, the Daily Beast published an article alleging that series creator Sam Levinson had fostered a "toxic" environment behind the scenes. Sources allegedly revealed to the outlet that the shoot for Season 2 was "hellish."
The article alleged that workdays would "sometimes stretch to 18 hours, and there were several complaints made to SAG-AFTRA."
The allegedly awful working conditions reportedly resulted in several background actors leaving the production.
HBO issued a statement to the Daily Beast saying, "The well-being of cast and crew on our productions is always a top priority. The production was in full compliance with all safety guidelines and guild protocols. It’s not uncommon for drama series to have complex shoots, and COVID protocols add an additional layer. We maintain an open line of communication with all the guilds, including SAG-AFTRA. There were never any formal inquiries raised."
Season 2 was also criticized for confusing plot lines and excessive onscreen nudity, with Levinson being called out for both as the show's sole writer.
Meanwhile, the show has lost some of its stars from the early seasons. For starters, Barbie Ferreira announced her departure from the series shortly after Season 2 ended. On an episode of Armchair Expert, Ferreira criticized the show's treatment of her character, saying, "I think both parties knew that I really wanted to be able to not be the fat best friend."
She said she felt there was "a place for her to go," referencing Kat's potential storylines. However, she felt like it wasn't a fit for the show.
Ferreira said she and Levinson made a "mutual decision" to end their working relationship.
And recently, on the red carpet at the Governors Awards, Storm Reid revealed that she will not be returning as Gia for Season 3. "Euphoria's a really special thing and I’m so glad that that’s a part of my legacy and that I was a part of such a cultural phenomenon," Reid added per Variety.
Nika King, who stars as Rue's mom, also revealed that delays have been tough on her, so much so that she said she hadn't paid rent in six months. In a TikTok, she said, "People are like, ‘We need Season 3.’ I’m like, ‘Bitch, I need Season 3. I haven’t paid my rent in six months.'"
On top of the alleged behind-the-scenes drama, Angus Cloud, who starred as the beloved Fez, tragically died of an accidental overdose at the age of 25 in July 2023.
Over a year after his sudden death, Hunter Schafer, who stars as Jules, opened up about the "tough" prospect of returning for a third season without Cloud and Euphoria producer Kevin Turen, who died in November 2023 from multiple heart issues.
While appearing on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Hunter told host Alex Cooper, "Obviously, I’m still coming to qualms with what’s happened — losing people that we really loved and were a part of this family. If we do go back, that’s going to be tough."
She also said, "Here’s the real tea. A lot has happened… It’s hard to talk about," before she broke down talking about all that has happened behind the scenes.
At the same time as Schafer's comments, the Hollywood Reporter released an article about the "tragedy and trauma" inside Euphoria. The article detailed a reported fallout and feud between Levinson and Zendaya, which played a part in the Season 3 delay.
Zendaya — who is also an executive producer on the show — apparently had concerns over Levinson focusing his attention on his short-lived HBO series, The Idol, which was filled with its own controversy at the time. "Her image is pristine," an anonymous executive told the outlet, adding, "And fans were turning against Sam."
Meanwhile, the article alleged that Levinson "blamed Zendaya for dragging her feet with an eye toward a burgeoning film career," with a source saying, "It was all about her. Everybody wanted to make it about Sam, but it was her."
Last year, Zendaya notably starred in both Dune: Part Two and Challengers.
The SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes in 2023 also reportedly delayed the development of Euphoria and led to Zendaya and other cast members taking different jobs in the interim after the strikes concluded.
Then, in July 2024, HBO confirmed again that Euphoria would really be returning for Season 3 with the "entire main cast," which likely includes Zendaya, Schafer, Sweeney, Jacob Elordi, Maude Apatow, and Alexa Demie.
Colman Domingo might also be returning for Season 3. A few months ago, he told Variety, "I have not seen a script, but I have heard about some scripts, and what I’ve heard is fantastic." He added that he heard it's "some of the most gorgeous writing" from Levinson himself.
Many people were also shocked to find out that some of the bigger stars in the cast were returning. Alongside Zendaya, Domingo, Sweeney, and Elordi have notably been some of the most in-demand actors in the last two years.
And that brings us to today, with HBO confirming that production has FINALLY started on Euphoria Season 3.
HBO and A24, who produces the series, shared a single image of Zendaya as Rue in the upcoming season:
While not much is known about the potential plot for Season 3, Variety previously reported that Levinson had the idea for a five-year time jump and a potential storyline for Rue that included her working as a private investigator. HBO reportedly paused development for Season 3 until they could figure out how to be "creatively in line with the previous two seasons."
So, there you have it. Euphoria is officially returning for a Season 3 with Zendaya. It's unclear yet which other cast members are definitely returning, too.
All I know is Euphoria is one of the buzziest shows in recent years, so whatever this season is about, the internet will lose its collective mind.
What are your thoughts on Euphoria getting a third season? Tell us everything in the comments below!
