The highly anticipated third season of HBO’s hit series “Euphoria” is set to begin production in January 2025, with all principal cast members returning. This news comes after a series of delays, including the writers’ and actors’ strikes in 2023 and the tragic deaths of star Angus Cloud and executive producer Kevin Turen.
Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President of HBO Programming and Head of HBO Drama Series and Films, expressed her excitement about the upcoming production. “I am thrilled that we are ready to begin production on ‘Euphoria’ in January. We could not be happier with our creative partnership with Sam Levinson and this incredible cast. We look forward to bringing this new season of ‘Euphoria’ to life for the fans,” she said.
The announcement marks nearly three years since the premiere of Season 2, which aired in January 2022. The delay in production was initially reported in March 2024, with HBO citing various factors, including the cast’s rising popularity and their commitments to other projects. For instance, Eric Dane joined Prime Video’s thriller series “Countdown,” and other cast members took on new roles during the hiatus.
Despite these challenges, HBO has managed to coordinate the schedules of its star-studded cast, which includes Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer, Storm Reid, Alexa Demie, and Eric Dane. However, some cast members, such as Barbie Ferreira, have indicated they will not be returning for the new season.
The series creator, Sam Levinson, has been working on the scripts for the new season, which is expected to feature a time jump from the previous seasons. In an August interview with Elle, Levinson described Season 3 as a “film noir” and hinted that Zendaya’s character, Rue, a recovering addict, would explore what it means to be an individual with principles in a corrupt world.
“Euphoria” is set in the fictional town of East Highland, California, and follows a group of high school students as they navigate love, loss, and addiction. The series is based on an Israeli show of the same name created by Ron Leshem and Daphna Levin. Levinson serves as an executive producer alongside Ravi Nandan, Drake, Adel “Future” Nur, Zendaya, Will Greenfield, Ashley Levinson, Ron Leshem, Daphna Levin, Hadas Mozes Lichtenstein, Gary Lennon, Mirit Toovi, Tmira Yardeni, and Yoram Mokady. The series is produced in partnership with A24.
The first season of “Euphoria” premiered in June 2019, followed by the second season in January 2022. Two one-hour specials aired in December 2020 and January 2021, bridging the gap between the two seasons. The show has been a critical and commercial success, earning 25 Emmy nominations and winning nine, including two for Zendaya as Best Actress in a Drama and one for Colman Domingo as Best Guest Actor in a Drama. Levinson also won a Directors Guild of America (DGA) award for the Season 2 episode “Stand Still Like the Hummingbird.”
The production delay has allowed the cast to pursue other opportunities, but it has also raised questions about the future of the series. Given the cast’s busy schedules and rising stardom, it remains unclear whether Season 3 will be the show’s last. The series has launched the careers of several of its stars, including Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Jacob Elordi, making it increasingly difficult to coordinate their availability for future seasons.
The tragic death of Angus Cloud, who played Fezco, has also cast a shadow over the upcoming season. Cloud passed away in July 2023 at the age of 25 from an accidental drug overdose. His character’s fate was left uncertain at the end of Season 2, following a standoff with police that resulted in the death of his younger brother, Ashtray, played by Javon Walton. The new season will likely address these unresolved storylines while paying tribute to Cloud’s impactful performance.
Despite the challenges, the creative team behind “Euphoria” remains committed to delivering an exceptional third season. HBO’s decision to delay production until January 2025 reflects their dedication to maintaining the show’s high standards and ensuring that the new season aligns creatively with the previous ones.
As fans eagerly await the return of “Euphoria,” the upcoming season promises to delve deeper into the complex lives of its characters, exploring themes of identity, morality, and resilience. With its unique visual style and compelling storytelling, “Euphoria” continues to push the boundaries of television drama, making it one of the most anticipated series of the coming year.
Source: Deadline, Variety
