Insights into 'Euphoria' Season 3 Delays and the Show's Future

Euphoria Season 3 Has Been Delayed

Zendaya Eddy Chen/HBO

Euphoria fans aren’t the only ones waiting for answers on when the show will come back - the cast is curious too.

The HBO series, which first aired in June 2019, centers around Rue (played by Zendaya), a high school student battling with addiction and trying to stay clean after rehab. The talented ensemble cast also features Hunter Schafer, Alexa Demie, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, Maude Apatow, Colman Domingo, and others.

Euphoria was quickly renewed for a second season. However, it took almost three years for the episodes to air. In the meantime, HBO ordered two individual specials to focus on the aftermath of Rue and Jules' breakup.

The third season was originally scheduled to air on HBO in 2025. Unfortunately, it faced several delays. Creator Sam Levinson's commitment to his short-lived series, The Idol, and Zendaya's busy schedule were contributing factors. The delays were further exacerbated by the dual strikes from the WGA and SAG-AFTRA in late 2023.

HBO CEO Casey Bloys expressed concerns about potential production cost increases due to strikes in November 2023. He mentioned that despite the challenges, he remains committed to creating quality content and does not plan to change course.

In March 2024, production for the third season of the show was delayed again with no official start date announced. However, HBO and creator Sam Levinson are dedicated to delivering an exceptional season. The network is supporting the cast in pursuing other opportunities during this interim period.

Waiting for the Call

Zendaya and other cast members have suggested that they were just as clueless as the fans regarding the show's future. Read on to find out what the stars of Euphoria have revealed about the delays and the anticipated return of season 3.

Jacob Elordi Assumes Euphoria Season 3 Will Have a Time Jump

Eddy Chen/HBO

Two years after season 2 aired on HBO, Elordi revealed that he was unsure about when he would be playing Nate again.

During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in January 2024, Elordi jokingly asked, "I don't know when we'll start filming. Do you know? I hope it's soon, or they might have to Benjamin Button me or something. I'll have a bad back just walking down the hallway, you know?"

Elordi shared his hopes for a potential time jump, adding, “I’m assuming that we’ll have to go forward, otherwise it’s going to seem a weird bit.”

Mixed Signals

What ‘Euphoria’ Stars Have Said About Season 3 Delays — and the Future of the Show

Sydney Sweeney. Eddy Chen/HBO Max

Sweeney (Cassie) mentioned in March 2024 that production would resume soon as she talked about her packed schedule. She shared with Josh Horowitz her upcoming projects after back-to-back press tours for Anyone But You, Madame Web, and Immaculate, including her involvement in Euphoria.

When asked if she had read any scripts for the next season, Sweeney playfully replied, "Maybe. I'm not sure."

Later that month, HBO confirmed further filming delays and noted that cast members were allowed to take on other projects amid the ongoing hiatus.

Large Filming Gaps

Nika King, who portrays Zendaya's onscreen mother, shared during a stand-up show in March 2024 that she is unsure about the release of Season 3. She humorously expressed frustration at not knowing when the new season will come out, jokingly mentioning her financial struggles by saying, “People are like, ‘We need season 3.’ I’m like, ‘Bitch, I need season 3. I haven’t paid my rent in six months.’ And Zendaya’s over in Paris at Fashion Week, I’m like, ‘Bitch, come home! I need you! Mama need you!’”

She went on to express her genuine concerns about her career, mentioning that she hasn't booked any projects since Euphoria. Despite thinking her career was on the rise after the show, she realized that the industry doesn't always work that way. She even shared a conversation with Taraji P. Henson, who advised her to get used to the uncertainties of the entertainment industry.

Not Surprised

After news broke about Euphoria not going into production yet, Storm Reid hinted that the future is very much up in the air.

"I hope that the viewers, the audience, will be able to see the show through," said Reid, who plays Rue's sister Gia, in an interview with Variety in March 2024. "I believe we need to handle the show with care because we have poured our hearts and souls into it."

When asked about her reaction to the delay, Reid expressed a mix of feelings, saying, "Yes and no." She went on to explain, "While we all wish we could resume filming tomorrow, there are logistical issues that need to be sorted out. So, while I am a bit disappointed, I am not entirely surprised. However, I am confident that when we do return, we will continue to stay true to our authentic portrayal of the real world."

An Unclear Status

What ‘Euphoria’ Stars Have Said About Season 3 Delays — and the Future of the Show

Eddy Chen/HBO Max

Despite being an executive producer, Zendaya said she had no information about Euphoria‘s third season.

Zendaya told Variety in April 2024 that she is not in charge of deciding whether Euphoria will continue. She mentioned that if it makes sense for the characters and the story unfolds naturally, then it could happen. However, the final decision is not up to her.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the enigmatic nature surrounding the highly anticipated third season of "Euphoria." Despite fans eagerly awaiting updates, the cast themselves remain in the dark, fueling curiosity and speculation. Jacob Elordi's request for information and Sydney Sweeney's ambiguous response further underscore the uncertainty. Zendaya's acknowledgment that she is not the driving force behind the show's future adds another layer of intrigue.

Moreover, the article touches on the broader issue of production delays and their impact on the entertainment industry. The strikes faced by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA in 2023, as well as the concerns raised by HBO CEO Casey Bloys, demonstrate the challenges and economic pressures that can influence production timelines. Nika King's concerns about her career reflect the precarious nature of the entertainment business, where even successful projects can leave actors financially vulnerable during prolonged hiatuses.