When Sam Levinson’s “Euphoria” debuted on HBO, the coming-of-age sequence rapidly turned a phenomenon. It offered Zendaya the platform to grow to be the youngest two-time Emmy winner in historical past in addition to the youngest particular person to win an Emmy for Excellent Lead Actress in a Drama Sequence for her efficiency as excessive schooler Rue Bennett, undoubtedly the function that modified the trajectory of her total profession. Regardless of its edgy nature, “Euphoria” turned a runaway mainstream success, one of the vital mentioned TV reveals on social media, and the launchpad for a brand new class of Hollywood performers together with Hunter Schaefer, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Eloridi, Storm Reid, and the late Angus Cloud.
Based mostly on the Israeli sequence of the identical title, “Euphoria” follows troubled teenage drug addict Rue after her stint in rehab, struggling to regulate to her life in Southern California and sustaining sobriety. She meets and rapidly falls in love with Jules (Schaefer), however because the stress of life turns into an excessive amount of to deal with, Rue relapses and the butterfly impact is unfathomable. On the identical time, her buddies and neighborhood have problems with their very own, permitting “Euphoria” to deal with taboo and provocative teenage tales usually glossed over or sanitized.
Sadly, the drama did not keep on-screen, and “Euphoria” has been saddled with controversy and delays. Season 3 did not start filming till three years after the premiere of season 2, and most of the present’s supporting characters is not going to be showing for quite a lot of causes. As of publication, seven completely different solid members seen in earlier seasons is not going to be returning for season 3 which, if HBO and Sam Levinson are smart, would be the remaining season of the present.
The tragic exits of Rue’s closest family and friends
On the finish of season 2, the younger drug vendor and defacto “little brother” of Fezco, Ashtray, was shot to loss of life. Because of this actor Javon “Wanna” Walton is not going to be returning for season 3 as a result of his character was sadly killed off. It was anticipated that season 3 would give attention to Fezco’s grief and new course in life within the wake of Ashtray’s passing, however in a fair greater tragedy, Fez performer Angus Cloud handed away on the age of 25. Fez was the center of “Euphoria” and had lately begun a heartwarming arc with Maude Apatow’s Lexi Howard, so his absence will probably be deeply felt in season 3. Many followers imagine the present ought to have been canceled when Cloud handed away, and I are likely to agree as a result of imagining the present with out the reduction of his deadpan observations simply feels … mistaken.
Storm Reid and Nika King, who play Rue’s sister Gia and mom Leslie respectively, will even not be returning, in keeping with Deadline. Reid’s absence is because of scheduling points and initiatives she is at the moment pursuing below her manufacturing firm A Seed & Wings, whereas the explanation for King’s exit is unknown. Because of the manufacturing delays, it has been reported that season 3 will embody a time leap that takes the characters out of highschool, so it is assumed that the dearth of Rue’s members of the family showing on the present will probably be excused by the very fact she not lives at house. Regardless, having Gia and Leslie function a stability to the chaos of Rue and her buddies’ lives was an important element to protecting the over-the-top sequence feeling grounded, and it is worrisome to think about what Levinson will ship now that he not has characters with one foot on the bottom.
Three college students make their exit
Austin Abrams, who performed Kat’s boyfriend Ethan and later starred within the large college play in season 2, in addition to the character Cassie’s ex-boyfriend Chris McKay, performed by Algee Smith, have additionally been introduced as not showing in season 3. These exits make sense as a result of given the time leap, it is unlikely that Kat and Cassie’s highschool boyfriends could be hanging round years later. It’s nonetheless a bummer, nevertheless, as a result of Abrams and Smith are each gifted performers and actually introduced lots to their roles. Fortunately, they’re each staying booked and busy with Abrams set to look in Zach Cregger’s highly-anticipated “Weapons” and Smith lately showing within the LeBron James flick “Capturing Stars” for Peacock.
However one of many greatest losses of the sequence is undoubtedly Barbie Ferreira, who performed Kat for the primary two seasons. A most important character, one among Rue’s closest buddies, and one of many solely examples of a posh plus-size character within the teen media house, Ferreira introduced her exit again in 2022 as a consequence of inventive variations concerning the way forward for her character. Abrams’ Ethan was possible written out of the sequence as a result of lack of Kat, a disgrace as a result of if any couple was going to final out of that top college, it might have been the 2 of them. “After 4 years of attending to embody probably the most particular and enigmatic character, Kat, I am having to say a really teary-eyed goodbye,” Ferreira wrote in a now-deleted Instagram publish. “I hope lots of you possibly can see your self in her like I did and that she introduced you pleasure to see her journey into the character she is immediately.”
Euphoria season 3 is at the moment filming in Los Angeles and is slated for a 2026 launch.