When Sam Levinson’s “Euphoria” debuted on HBO, the coming-of-age collection rapidly turned a phenomenon. It offered Zendaya the platform to develop into 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 complete profession. Regardless of its edgy nature, “Euphoria” turned a runaway mainstream success, one of the crucial mentioned TV exhibits 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.
Primarily based on the Israeli collection 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 similar time, her buddies and group 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 a wide range of causes. As of publication, seven totally different solid members seen in earlier seasons is not going to be returning for season 3 which, if HBO and Sam Levinson are sensible, would be the last 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 demise. Which means that 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 path in life within the wake of Ashtray’s passing, however in a good greater tragedy, Fez performer Angus Cloud handed away on the age of 25. Fez was the guts of “Euphoria” and had just lately begun a heartwarming arc with Maude Apatow’s Lexi Howard, so his absence shall 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 aid 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 accordance with Deadline. Reid’s absence is because of scheduling points and initiatives she is at present pursuing underneath her manufacturing firm A Seed & Wings, whereas the rationale for King’s exit is unknown. Because of the manufacturing delays, it has been reported that season 3 will embody a time bounce that takes the characters out of highschool, so it is assumed that the dearth of Rue’s relations showing on the present shall be excused by the actual fact she not lives at residence. Regardless, having Gia and Leslie function a stability to the chaos of Rue and her buddies’ lives was an important part to preserving the over-the-top collection 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 faculty 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 bounce, 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 so much 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 just lately showing within the LeBron James flick “Capturing Stars” for Peacock.
However one of many greatest losses of the collection is undoubtedly Barbie Ferreira, who performed Kat for the primary two seasons. A foremost character, certainly one of Rue’s closest buddies, and one of many solely examples of a fancy plus-size character within the teen media house, Ferreira introduced her exit again in 2022 as a consequence of artistic variations relating to the way forward for her character. Abrams’ Ethan was doubtless written out of the collection as a result of lack of Kat, a disgrace as a result of if any couple was going to final out of that prime faculty, it will have been the 2 of them. “After 4 years of attending to embody essentially the most particular and enigmatic character, Kat, I am having to say a really teary-eyed goodbye,” Ferreira wrote in a now-deleted Instagram put up. “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 at this time.”
Euphoria season 3 is at present filming in Los Angeles and is slated for a 2026 launch.