Three years after Euphoria Season 2 concluded back in 2022, HBO has finally given fans something to look forward to with a first-look image of Zendaya for the highly anticipated third season. Despite their respective busy schedules, most of the show’s primary cast members are also returning, now including Season 2’s key cast member, Dominic Fike. However, while there really is no stopping Euphoria from coming back this time after several delays and cancelation rumors, some characters won’t be back for Euphoria Season 3.
According to TVLine, Nika King (who played Leslie Bennett) and Algee Smith (who played Chris McKay) won’t be returning for Season 3. There were rumors about Fike not returning as Elliot, especially since his name was left off the Euphoria Season 3 cast list released by HBO, though Variety has recently debunked them. The singer-songwriter appeared in Euphoria during the second season and was introduced as Rue Bennett’s (played by Zendaya) new friend. Elliot, a love interest of both Rue and Jules Vaughn (Hunter Schafer), was a key character in Season 2. The character was often the cause of conflict between Jules and Rue’s relationship in Season 2 and is expected to cause more rift between the two in the upcoming new season.
The Future of ‘Euphoria’ Is Gradually Dimming
It took more delays, departures, and tragic deaths before it was announced that Euphoria was indeed returning for a third season. The teen drama’s principal cast members are also confirmed to be returning for Season 3, including Jacob Elordi as Nate Jacobs, Sydney Sweeney as Cassie Howard, Maude Apatow as Lexi Howard, Alexa Demie as Maddy Perez, and Eric Dane as Cal Jacobs, with Colman Domingo‘s Ali Muhammed appearing as a guest star. Despite various setbacks (with most of the cast members venturing into different projects), it was fortunate that the show even received a Season 3 renewal. But Season 3 might be Euphoria‘s swan song. In a previous interview with Deadline, HBO‘s Head of Drama Series and Film Francesca Orsi stated that ending Euphoria with Season 3 has already been “discussed,” though nothing has officially been confirmed yet at the moment.
Production on Season 3 has already begun. It will also feature the return of Martha Kelly‘s Laurie and Chloe Cherry‘s Faye as newly-promoted series regulars. Euphoria newcomers include Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Toby Wallace, Kadeem Hardison, Rosalía, Marshawn Lynch, Priscilla Delgado, James Landry Hébert, and Anna Van Patten.
Euphoria Season 3, which will consist of eight episodes, is expected to premiere in 2026. While you wait, you can catch up on the first two seasons, available to stream on Max in the US.
via Collider