When Sam Levinson’s “Euphoria” debuted on HBO, the coming-of-age collection rapidly grew to become a phenomenon. It supplied Zendaya the platform to turn into the youngest two-time Emmy winner in historical past in addition to the youngest individual 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” grew to become a runaway mainstream success, probably the most 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.
Based mostly on the Israeli collection of the identical identify, “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 associates 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 totally 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 last season of the present.
The tragic exits of Rue’s closest family and friends
On the finish of season 2, the younger drug seller and defacto “little brother” of Fezco, Ashtray, was shot to demise. Which means 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 concentrate on Fezco’s grief and new course 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 lately begun a heartwarming arc with Maude Apatow’s Lexi Howard, so his absence will likely be deeply felt in season 3. Many followers consider the present ought to have been canceled when Cloud handed away, and I are inclined 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, may even not be returning, in response to Deadline. Reid’s absence is because of scheduling points and initiatives she is at present pursuing beneath her manufacturing firm A Seed & Wings, whereas the rationale for King’s exit is unknown. As a result of manufacturing delays, it has been reported that season 3 will embrace a time soar that takes the characters out of highschool, so it is assumed that the shortage of Rue’s relations showing on the present will likely 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 associates’ lives was a significant part to protecting 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 huge 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 soar, 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 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 associates, and one of many solely examples of a fancy plus-size character within the teen media area, Ferreira introduced her exit again in 2022 attributable to artistic variations relating to the way forward for her character. Abrams’ Ethan was doubtless written out of the collection because of the lack of Kat, a disgrace as a result of if any couple was going to final out of that top college, 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 a lot of you may see your self in her like I did and that she introduced you pleasure to see her journey into the character she is right now.”
Euphoria season 3 is at present filming in Los Angeles and is slated for a 2026 launch.
