The Future of 'Euphoria' Is Increasingly Uncertain
This story contains spoilers for the season 2 finale of Euphoria.
At this point, we may never know what happens to the Euphoria High. HBO was expected to soon begin production on Euphoria season 3, but now (per The Hollywood Reporter) series creator Sam Levinson will take more time to work on the script. Rest assured, the streamer released a statement saying they “remain committed to making an exceptional third season.” In the meantime, HBO is giving the cast a chance to pursue other opportunities.
The Hollywood Reporter also confirmed the cast has not been released from their contracts, but that doesn’t mean everyone will return to the series when season 3 finally does go into production. Last year, Dominic Fike, who played Elliot in season 2, told Variety that his character's future is uncertain. When asked about returning to Euphoria, Fike said it would be “dope,” but he hadn’t heard from the production team. “Last time I talked to them, it was cool [but] I don’t really talk to them anymore,” he said. “Who knows? I’ve got stuff to do.”
Season 3 should be worth the wait, given Levinson's plan for the series. In an interview with Elle for Zendaya’s cover story with the magazine, Levinson revealed that season 3 will be a “film noir.” The plot is under lock and key, but Levinson says it will “explore what it means to be an individual with principles in a corrupt world.”
When we left Euphoria season 1, there was no doubt that the focus was on Rue and Rue alone. But in season 2's finale, nearly every character's arc crashes to some kind of end, as jarring as a Euphoria needle drop when you least expect it. Here's another tidbit: fresh off a Creative Arts Emmy win for his role as Ali, Esquire favorite Colman Domingo teased the future of the series. “Sam Levinson and I had some really deep conversations as of last weekend, actually,” Domingo told Deadline. "Here he’s talking about the arcs of all the characters and what he wants to do to expand that, to actually re-examine at times. It’s an organism and he wants it to keep shifting it in many ways and I think he’s going to take some really big swings actually with season 3."
Here's everything we know about the future of Euphoria so far.
When Will Euphoria Return?
In February 2023, Variety reported that HBO renewed Euphoria for a third season. Here's what Francesca Orsi, executive vice president of HBO Programming, wrote in her announcement of Euphoria's renewal: “Sam, Zendaya, and the entire cast and crew of Euphoria have taken season 2 to extraordinary heights, challenging narrative convention and form, while maintaining its heart. We couldn’t be more honored to work with this gifted, wildly talented team or more excited to continue our journey with them into season 3."
Will Zendaya Finally Direct an Episode in Euphoria Season 3?
Good news: we absolutely think so. In an interview with Vogue Italia, Zendaya said that she almost directed season 2, episode 6, "A Thousand Little Trees of Blood," but she didn't have enough time to prep for both acting in and directing the episode. "It's funny," she said. "I was actually supposed to direct episode 6, but then I had to act in it. I didn't have enough time, so unfortunately, I wasn't able to this time around. I wanted to have enough time to do it the right way. So, next season probably."
Well, the idea of Zendaya directing a season 3 episode is the only thing helping us stomach the thought of another multi-year break between seasons.
Who Will Be in Euphoria Season 3?
Barbie Ferreira, who plays Kat, announced via Instagram that she will not return to Euphoria for the new season. Kat first stole viewers' hearts in season 1 as a body-conscious teen who was just beginning to embrace her sexuality. In season 2, she was mostly on the sidelines, with Euphoria focusing being on her relationship with her boyfriend Ethan (Austin Abrams) and most recently, her friendship with Maddy. Kat's reduced storyline even sparked rumors that Ferreira herself was unhappy with Euphoria. Regardless, Kat's story comes to an end as Ferreira says goodbye.
"After four years of getting to embody the most special and enigmatic character Kat, I’m having to say a very teary-eyed goodbye," Ferreira wrote on Instagram. "I hope many of you could see yourself in her like I did and that she brought you joy to see her journey into the character she is today. I put all my care and love into her and I hope you guys could feel it. Love you, Katherine Hernandez."
Meanwhile, it remains to be seen how Levinson will say goodbye to the beloved Angus Cloud, who died this July. The fate of Cloud's character, Fez, is unclear, but we're hoping Euphoria gives him an honorable exit.
What's in Store For Euphoria High in Season 3?
Let's start with one of the finale's best developments: Rue in recovery. During the course of the episode, we learn that Rue is not only maintaining her sobriety but actually wondering what she should do with it. (Inspired by Lexi's play, of course.) In that light, you can't blame us for hoping that season 3 shows us the next phase of Rue's recovery—which hopefully includes a full apology to Jules. Apparently, Zendaya agrees with us. "I think that's what we need. I think that's what the world needs," Zendaya added to Entertainment Tonight. "So, if you can hold onto that, if you can bear with her through those painful moments, if you can still root for her, then maybe there is some hope at the end."
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