Fans of HBO’s hit series “Euphoria” have something to celebrate as production for the long-awaited third season is finally underway. After significant delays, filming for Season 3 is set to begin in January 2025, with Emmy winner Zendaya returning as recovering addict Rue Bennett. HBO has already shared the first look at Season 3, featuring Zendaya’s character Rue gazing solemnly over her shoulder in a darkened room.
The production announcement comes as welcome news for viewers who have been patiently waiting since the second season concluded. The main cast is expected to return for the new season, with HBO officially confirming Zendaya’s involvement by releasing the first promotional image. This update signals that despite the extended hiatus, the critically acclaimed drama will continue its exploration of teenage life, addiction, and relationships.
The show’s return to production marks an important milestone for one of HBO’s most culturally significant series of recent years. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the early promotional material suggests the new season will maintain the dark, introspective tone that has made “Euphoria” such a powerful and resonant drama for audiences worldwide.
What We Know So Far About Euphoria Season 3
After nearly three years of waiting, Euphoria is finally back in production — and the first image of Zendaya on set confirms that Rue’s story isn’t over yet. HBO officially announced the start of filming for Season 3, dropping a black-and-white photo of Zendaya in character that sent fans into a frenzy. With a time jump rumored and fresh faces joining the cast, Season 3 looks like it’s going to be very different from the high school drama we left behind.
Time Jump Confirmed — Here’s How Far We’re Going
Showrunner Sam Levinson hinted at this early on, and now it’s all but confirmed: Season 3 will feature a time jump. The story is reportedly set several years after the events of Season 2, with Rue and the others navigating early adulthood, addiction recovery, and the long-term fallout of their choices.
Zendaya herself mentioned she was excited to explore who Rue becomes beyond her teenage years. That suggests a more introspective, possibly darker tone than the first two seasons.
Returning Cast: Who’s Back and Who’s Missing
Not all of your favorite characters will return — and some absences are already causing a stir.
| Actor | Character | Returning for S3? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zendaya | Rue Bennett | ✅ Yes | Already seen on set |
| Hunter Schafer | Jules Vaughn | ✅ Yes | Expected to explore life post-breakup |
| Jacob Elordi | Nate Jacobs | ✅ Yes | Role may evolve significantly |
| Alexa Demie | Maddy Perez | ✅ Yes | Confirmed to return |
| Sydney Sweeney | Cassie Howard | ✅ Yes | No character changes announced |
| Barbie Ferreira | Kat Hernandez | ❌ No | Left the show; storyline wrapped |
| Angus Cloud | Fezco | ❌ Unknown | Cloud tragically passed away in 2023 |
The biggest confirmed absence is Barbie Ferreira, who exited the show due to creative differences. She stated her character had “run its course,” and fans are still speculating how the series will address Kat’s departure.
Also worth noting is the tragic death of Angus Cloud. HBO has yet to confirm how the show will handle Fezco’s storyline, but sources close to the production suggest he’ll be honored in some way.
New Additions to the Cast
Season 3 is bringing in some unexpected talent — including a few faces from outside traditional acting circles:
- Rosalía – The Spanish singer is joining the cast in an undisclosed role, possibly tied to Rue’s new life post-high school.
- Marshawn Lynch – Yep, that Marshawn Lynch. The former NFL running back is said to be playing a “mentor-like figure” in Rue’s sobriety journey.
- Kadeem Hardison – Best known for A Different World, he’s set to play a school counselor-turned-rehabilitation expert.
While unconventional, the additions reflect the show’s constant evolution — always blurring lines between the surreal and the real.
Production Timeline
Filming kicked off in January 2025 after nearly two years of delays. Here’s a quick timeline of how we got here:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 2022 | Season 2 finale aired |
| August 2022 | Barbie Ferreira announced her exit |
| July 2023 | Angus Cloud passed away |
| October 2024 | Pre-production and set design began |
| January 2025 | Filming officially started |
| TBD (Late 2025?) | Estimated Season 3 premiere |
HBO has not confirmed an official release date, but insiders say the earliest we’ll see new episodes is late 2025, possibly stretching into early 2026 depending on post-production.
A Shift in Tone and Setting
Season 3 is shaping up to be less about high school drama and more about the transitional chaos of adulthood. That shift is expected to come with new visual styles, locations, and pacing.
Levinson described it as a “film noir” take on Euphoria, with more focus on Rue’s sobriety, criminal entanglements, and moral ambiguity. That means the glitter might fade, but the intensity is far from over.
Whether fans are ready for a more grown-up Euphoria remains to be seen — but with Zendaya leading the charge, it’s safe to say expectations are sky high.
Key Takeaways
- Euphoria Season 3 will begin filming in January 2025 with Zendaya confirmed to return as Rue Bennett.
- HBO has released the first promotional image showing Zendaya’s character in what appears to be a continuation of her recovery storyline.
- The entire main cast is expected to return for the new season, though specific premiere dates have not yet been announced.
Production and Cast Update
After a long delay, the third season of HBO’s hit drama “Euphoria” has officially begun production. The return of the critically acclaimed series marks an important milestone for fans who have been waiting since 2022.
Start of Production
Filming for “Euphoria” Season 3 is now underway in Los Angeles. HBO recently shared the first official image from the new season, featuring Zendaya back in her role as Rue. The production officially started in late January 2025, following the announcement made several months earlier by HBO that filming would begin at this time.
The third season is expected to consist of eight episodes, following the same format as previous seasons. Sam Levinson returns as showrunner, though specific details about the creative direction remain limited.
Casey Bloys, HBO’s chief content officer, has expressed confidence in the new season despite the extended gap between seasons. The production delay stemmed from several factors, including industry strikes and scheduling conflicts with the cast’s other projects.
Returning Cast Members
Zendaya leads the ensemble cast, reprising her Emmy-winning role as Rue Bennett. The actress has been notably busy with various film projects since Season 2 aired, making her return to the series particularly significant.
Other confirmed returning cast members include Hunter Schafer as Jules and Storm Reid as Gia, Rue’s sister. Colman Domingo will also return as Ali, Rue’s mentor and support figure.
The status of some cast members remains uncertain. Sydney Sweeney and Jacob Elordi, whose careers have skyrocketed since the show began, are expected to return despite their busy schedules. Notably absent will be Angus Cloud, who tragically passed away in 2023, and Barbie Ferreira, who announced her departure from the series after Season 2.
HBO has not yet revealed any new additions to the cast for the upcoming season.
Anticipated Themes and Plot
As Euphoria enters its third season, the series appears poised to explore more mature storylines with characters no longer confined to high school environments. The time jump will likely introduce new challenges for Rue and other central characters.
Potential Storyline Elements
With production finally underway after significant delays, Season 3 is expected to feature a notable time jump. This shift allows creator Sam Levinson to explore more adult themes as the characters leave high school behind.
Zendaya’s return as Rue Bennett suggests the show will continue following her recovery journey. The first-look image shared by HBO in February 2025 shows Rue in a darkened room with a somber expression, hinting at ongoing struggles.
The show faced several production delays following Season 2, partly due to Sam Levinson’s work on controversial series “The Idol” and industry strikes throughout 2023.
HBO executive Francesca Orsi confirmed in March 2024 that the series would continue despite cancellation rumors. Fans remain curious about Fezco’s fate after Season 2’s dramatic conclusion.
The creative partnership between Levinson and Zendaya appears to remain strong despite the extended break between seasons. Their collaboration will likely continue shaping the show’s unique visual and storytelling approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans have been eagerly awaiting details about the third season of HBO’s hit drama Euphoria. From release dates to cast announcements, here are answers to the most pressing questions about the upcoming season.
What is the expected release date for Euphoria Season 3?
Euphoria Season 3 began production on February 10, 2025, as confirmed by HBO. The network shared a first-look image of Zendaya back in character as Rue to mark the occasion.
The show is expected to premiere sometime in late 2025 or early 2026. The long gap between seasons is due to various production delays and scheduling conflicts with the cast.
Who is joining the cast of Euphoria for its third season?
While HBO has confirmed Zendaya’s return as Rue Bennett, complete cast details for Season 3 have not been officially announced.
Several industry insiders suggest most core cast members will return. New casting announcements are expected in the coming months as production continues.
Are there any plot details available for the upcoming season of Euphoria?
Specific plot details for Euphoria Season 3 remain tightly under wraps. HBO and the show’s creators have not released an official synopsis yet.
Zendaya recently mentioned in interviews that the new season will explore “important” themes. The actress indicated the story will continue to follow the characters’ complex journeys through addiction, relationships, and self-discovery.
How many episodes will there be in the third season of Euphoria?
The episode count for Euphoria Season 3 has not been officially confirmed by HBO. Previous seasons contained eight episodes each.
Production scheduling suggests the third season might follow the same format. Any changes to the episode count will likely be announced closer to the premiere date.
Will all the original cast members, apart from Zendaya, reprise their roles in Season 3?
While Zendaya’s return has been confirmed, HBO has not made official announcements about other cast members’ participation in Season 3.
Scheduling conflicts may impact some actors’ availability. Recent social media posts have shown several cast members near production locations, suggesting their involvement.
How has Zendaya’s character arc evolved going into Season 3 of Euphoria?
Zendaya’s character Rue ended Season 2 on a path toward recovery after hitting rock bottom. Her narration suggested she remained sober for the rest of the school year.
Season 3 will likely continue exploring Rue’s sobriety journey. The first-look image released by HBO shows Zendaya back in character, though details about her character’s current state remain limited.
