TV Writer Ellen Campbell discusses the long-awaited new season of Euphoria, from filming updates to cast changes
With the overwhelming success and popularity of HBO original series Euphoria, it comes as no surprise that thousands of us eagerly anticipate a new season. In February 2025, HBO announced on their Instagram account, that the Emmy-winning drama series Euphoria would be returning for a third season. Euphoria follows a group of eccentric high schoolers, and delves into their lives of love, addiction and grief, and season three is currently being shot in Los Angeles.
The critically acclaimed series is created, written and directed by Sam Levinson, also known for drama series The Idol – starring Lily-Rose Depp and The Weeknd. Sam Levinson has welcomed back main cast members including, Rue Bennet (Zendaya), Nate Jacobs (Jacob Elordi), Cassie Howard (Sydney Sweeney), Lexi Howard (Maude Apatow), Maddie Perez (Alexa Demie), and Jules Vaughn (Hunter Schafer.)
“there are several new cast members whose characters we are yet to meet.
Additionally, there are several new cast members whose characters we are yet to meet. It has been announced that Sharon Stone, ROSALÍA, Marshawn Lynch, Adewale Akinnouye-Agbaje, and Toby Wallace will star in Season Three of Euphoria. All of which will bring a new atmosphere to the series and provide further entertainment.
Alongside new cast members, a number of original Euphoria actors have announced their departure from season three. In August 2022, Barbie Ferreira, who plays Kat Hernandez, announced in an Instagram story that she would be leaving the cast ahead of season three. Ferreira wrote: ‘After four years of getting to embody the most special and enigmatic character Kat, I’m having to say a very teary eyed goodbye.’ The exact reason for Ferreira’s departure is not confirmed, though there has been speculation of behind-the-scenes drama between herself and Levinson.
Also, Storm Reid, who plays Rue’s younger sister Gia, is not returning for season three. While speaking at the Governors Awards 2024, Reid stated: ‘I’m very excited for season three, but unfortunately, Gia’s not returning.’ There is also discourse around Dominic Fike’s unconfirmed return to Euphoria, Fike played Elliot in season two of the series. At the Sundance Film Festival in 2024, Fike said reprising his role as Elliot ‘would be dope’ but would require reconnection with his cast members as he stated, ‘I don’t really talk to them anymore.’
“we are unlikely to get immediate answers to the cliffhangers we were left with at the end of season two, three years ago.
The loss of these cast members is not the only thing that will make season three of Euphoria starkly different. It has been confirmed that the new episodes will be set years after the events of season two, with the main characters being out of high school and in their late 20s and 30s. This means we are unlikely to get immediate answers to the cliffhangers we were left with at the end of season two, three years ago.
The season two finale of Euphoria aired in February 2022, and was consequently the most tweeted about show of the decade in the US, with 34 million tweets. The season ended with the death of Ashtray (Javon Walton), and injury of Fezco O’Neill (Angus Cloud). We also see Nate watching his father, Cal Jacobs (Eric Dane), being taken into police custody, the return of Elliot, and a dramatic fight between Maddie and Cassie. Lexi’s play that takes place in the finale heightens tensions between her and Cassie and serves as a catalyst for Rue’s eventual sobriety. Yet, we are left with no acknowledgement of the suitcase full of drugs worth $10,000 which Rue owes Laurie (Martha Kelly).
The production of season three of Euphoria has been pushed back multiple times, due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America Strike, and the deaths of two beloved members of the Euphoria cast and production team, Angus Cloud and Kevin Turen.
“there has been considerable deliberation from the population about whether Euphoria should still be going ahead.
In turn, there has been considerable deliberation from the population about whether Euphoria should still be going ahead. Some question if the loss of theses memorable individuals has changed the trajectory of the plot. With arguments that perhaps the ending should be left open, and the considerable time that has passed has ruined the series for many. Despite this, if season two of Euphoria is anything like the previous seasons, I know many of us will eagerly await its return in 2026.
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