Behind Euphoria Season 3 Delay: Where the Show Goes After High School
HBO and creator Sam Levinson are still hammering out the details for Euphoria’s third season, including a potential time jump and character arcs. Meanwhile, the show’s in-demand cast, including Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Jacob Elordi, are getting the green light to pursue other projects.
According to sources, Levinson envisions a time jump when the show returns, likely in 2025, but not set in stone. The exact number of episodes and the direction for characters like Rue (Zendaya), Nate (Jacob Elordi), Jules (Hunter Schafer), and Cassie (Syndey Sweeney) are also up in the air, with Levinson and HBO still discussing their storylines.
In a statement, HBO confirmed the cast’s permission to explore “other opportunities” while emphasizing their commitment to delivering an outstanding third season. The network declined further comment.
Euphoria has been a springboard for the cast’s film careers, launching Zendaya (Dune), Sweeney (Anyone but You), and Elordi (Saltburn) onto the big screen. However, Euphoria remains their priority. This means any new projects they take on might need to be put on hold or filmed concurrently with Euphoria, depending on scheduling needs.
Recognizing the cast’s high demand and desire to work, HBO decided it wouldn’t be fair to restrict them from taking on other roles while Euphoria’s future is ironed out.
Euphoria’s second season, which aired in early 2022, featured characters as juniors or seniors. The season finale didn’t hint at graduation, instead focusing on a chaotic play and a deadly shootout that claimed the lives of Javon “Wanna” Walton’s character Ash and resulted in the arrest of Angus Cloud’s Fez. Last April, Barbie Ferreira (Kat) announced her mutual decision with Levinson to leave the show. “I don’t think there was a place for [my character] to go,” she stated.
When “Euphoria” returns for its third season, we’ll witness a significant shift. Our beloved characters, including Rue (played by Zendaya), will no longer be navigating the halls of high school. The decision to move the action beyond the familiar school setting has prompted discussions between HBO and creator Sam Levinson. The challenge lies in determining where these complex characters will find themselves next.
Time Jump and Uncertain Arcs: Euphoria Season 3 Delay
Levinson’s plan for Season 3 involves a time jump, propelling us into the characters’ early adulthood. Ideally, the new season will grace our screens in 2025, but that timeline is no longer guaranteed. The number of episodes remains uncertain as Levinson and HBO deliberate on the arcs for Rue, Nate, Jules, and Cassie. The creative team aims to maintain the show’s exceptional quality while navigating uncharted territory.
Star-Studded Cast and Their Opportunities
The cast of “Euphoria” boasts rising stars, including Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Jacob Elordi. These talented actors have become increasingly in-demand, with flourishing film careers. HBO recognizes their potential and has graciously allowed them to pursue other opportunities while remaining committed to the show. This means that if a cast member lands a new project, they may need to balance both commitments.
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Season 2 Recap
In Season 2, we witnessed the characters facing the challenges of junior and senior years in high school. The finale featured a chaotic play and a deadly shootout, leaving us with questions about graduation and the characters’ futures. Notably, Barbie Ferreira (Kat) decided not to return for Season 3, emphasizing the need for fresh directions in the storyline.
Levinson’s Deliberative Approach
Sam Levinson is known for his meticulous writing process. He continuously revisits and refines his scripts, exploring existential questions about our current reality. As Emmy-winning guest star Colman Domingo (Rustin) aptly put it, Levinson is a writer who “writes and rewrites and writes and rewrites again” to capture the essence of our existence1.
While we eagerly await the return of “Euphoria,” the delay promises a thought-provoking and transformative journey for our favorite characters. Stay tuned for more updates as the creative team crafts another exceptional season!
