Euphoria is set to return for its third season, with a confirmed release date. The production faced several delays, including the tragic passing of cast member Angus Cloud at 25 in July 2023.
As one of HBO’s major successes, Euphoria was quickly renewed for a third season. In November 2023, HBO’s Chief Content Officer Casey Bloys provided new insights about the upcoming season.
“Sam [Levinson], Zendaya, and the entire Euphoria team have taken the second season to remarkable levels, pushing narrative boundaries while keeping its core intact. We’re thrilled to continue this journey with such a talented group into season 3,” stated Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President of HBO Programming.
Actress Sydney Sweeney offered a glimpse of what fans can expect in the new season during an interview with E! News in October 2025.
“Dildos,” Sydney teased. “Hold onto those dildos. It’s Cassie, what do you expect?”
Hollywood Life has compiled the latest updates on the release date, plot, and more.
Euphoria Season 3 Release Date
HBO has announced that the third season of Euphoria will premiere in April 2026.
The production delay was largely due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. When asked about a 2024 release, Zendaya told Entertainment Tonight in April 2022: “I think that might be true. I honestly don’t know. There are some executives that know better than me, you might wanna ask them. I’m gonna be busy for a while.”
In February 2023, Vogue reported in a Maude Apatow profile that filming for season 2 was “not scheduled to begin until late 2023.” Maude admitted she knew nothing about season 3. “We should be getting scripts soon-ish, but I’m totally in the dark!” she said.
The following year, Nika King, who plays Leslie Bennet, shared a TikTok video revealing she was unaware of when Euphoria would return, despite fan inquiries.
“Season 3 is coming out … I don’t f–king know,” Nika told a laughing audience. “Don’t ask me. I don’t know. It’s one of those things. People are like, ‘We need season 3.’ I’m like, ‘Bitch, I need season 3, too!’ I haven’t paid my rent in six months, and Zendaya’s over in Paris at Fashion Week. I’m like, ‘Bitch, come home! I need you. Mama need you.’”
Shortly after, HBO confirmed that production is currently postponed.
“HBO and Sam Levinson remain committed to producing an exceptional third season,” the network stated. “Meanwhile, we are allowing our cast to pursue other opportunities.”
Euphoria Season 3 Cast
Zendaya will reprise her role as Rue. The actress reportedly secured a major deal and will earn $1 million per episode in season 2, according to Puck.
Returning cast members include Hunter Schafer as Jules, Maude Apatow as Lexi, Sydney as Cassie, Jacob Elordi as Nate, Alexa Demie as Maddy, Storm Reid as Gia, Nika King as Leslie, and Colman Domingo as Ali.
New additions to the cast are Trisha Paytas, Bella Podaras, Bill Bodner, Cailyn Rice, Colleen Camp, Danielle Deadwyler, Eli Roth, Gideon Adlon, Hemky Madera, Homer Gere, Jack Topalian, Jessica Blair Herman, Kwame Patterson, Madison Thompson, Matthew Willig, Natasha Lyonne, Rebecca Pidgeon and Sam Trammell.
On August 24, 2022, Barbie Ferreira announced her departure from the series. She shared the news via Instagram Stories. Barbie portrayed Kat Hernandez for the initial two seasons.
“After 4 years of portraying the unique character Kat, I’m saying a teary-eyed goodbye,” Barbie wrote. “I hope many of you saw yourselves in her like I did and that she brought you joy. I put all my care and love into her and hope you felt it. Love you, Katherine Hernandez.”
There was speculation about Zendaya’s continued presence on the show and the possibility of her character being written off. HBO’s Chief Content Officer Casey Bloys clarified, “It’s hard to imagine the show without her. But, again, that would be something for her and Sam to discuss,” Casey told TVLine. He added, “She’s going to be in season 3.”
Dominic Fike, who joined in season 2 as Elliot, confirmed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon that fans should “absolutely” expect his return in season 3. Dominic, also a musician, has been given the option to decide his character’s exit.
“Sam always gave me the option to leave. He said, ‘Whenever you want to go be a musician, let me know, I’ll kill you [and write you off the show],’” Dominic told GQ.
Season 2 concluded with Ashtray seemingly dying during a police standoff. However, Javon “Wanna” Walton remains hopeful about Ash’s potential return.
“You see [Fez] get arrested, so he’s likely in a cop car. And with Ashtray, we’re not 100 percent sure he’s dead, because there was no blood, right? You didn’t see him fall. You heard the bullet, but didn’t see him get shot. So, there are little things that could bring him back,” Javon told Entertainment Weekly.
Later in August 2022, Javon seemed to conclude that Ash didn’t survive the raid. “I do think Ash is dead,” he admitted to ET. “As much as I loved Euphoria, I’ve moved on.”
Eric Dane is confident Cal will return in season 3. “There’s gonna be redemption,” he told Variety. “I mean, that’s the trajectory he’s on. I can’t imagine Cal’s life from solitary confinement. It’s tough to work Cal into the storyline when he’s behind bars.”
The entire cast was busy, causing delays in filming season 3. As for Zendaya’s partner Tom Holland, a cameo on Euphoria hasn’t officially happened yet. The Spider-Man: No Way Home star expressed his desire to appear on the series. “I have been petitioning for this for a long time, and it has not happened yet and I’m very disappointed. I must have come to visit Euphoria at least 30 times this season,” Tom told IMDb about season 2.
He emphasized, “I want to be on Euphoria!” Zendaya responded, “Ok, let me talk to some people.” Fans speculated they saw Tom in the audience during Lexi’s play in season 2, and Zendaya has been coy about it. “Could be. Could be true. Can’t confirm or deny. The world may never know,” she told Access.
Angus Cloud’s Passing
Angus Cloud tragically passed away on July 31, 2023, at 25. His family released a statement: “It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today. As an artist, a friend, a brother, and a son, Angus was special to all of us in many ways. Last week he buried his father and intensely struggled with this loss. The only comfort we have is knowing Angus is now reunited with his dad, who was his best friend. Angus was open about his battle with mental health and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence.”
They concluded, “We hope the world remembers him for his humor, laughter, and love for everyone. We ask for privacy as we process this devastating loss.”
Angus was mourned by his Euphoria castmates and creator Sam Levinson. “There was no one quite like Angus. He was too special, too talented, and way too young to leave us so soon. He also struggled, like many of us, with addiction and depression,” Levinson told The Hollywood Reporter. “I hope he knew how many hearts he touched. I loved him. I always will. Rest in peace and God Bless his family.”
HBO posted a statement via social media: “We are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Angus Cloud. He was immensely talented and a beloved part of the HBO and Euphoria family. We extend our deepest condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time.”
Nearly a year before his death, Angus expressed his excitement for season 3. “I can’t wait to get back to work with everyone,” Angus told E! News. “I feel like it’s been way too long. I just can’t wait to see everyone and work on set again.” At the time, he was “not sure what to expect” regarding Fezco’s storyline. “But knowing [Euphoria creator] Sam [Levinson], it will be good.”
Season 2 Finale Recap
Euphoria season 2 concluded with high drama as Lexi’s play reached its peak. Cassie interrupted the performance after being dumped by Nate, leading to a public breakdown. Lexi and Cassie’s mother eventually intervened to stop the fight between the sisters. Maddy chased Cassie offstage after confronting her.
Cassie confessed to Maddy that Nate broke up with her, to which Maddy responded, “Don’t worry, this is just the beginning.”
Meanwhile, Nate drove to his father’s construction site to confront him. Nate revealed he found Cal’s sex tapes at 11, which caused significant trauma. Cal’s apology was ignored by Nate.
Nate sought revenge, presenting a flash drive containing Cal’s encounters. Nate watched as his father was arrested.
A flashback showed Rue visiting Elliot before the play. She acknowledged that he saved her life. Elliot played a song for Rue and asked if they could be friends again. Rue reminded him they were bad for each other, which Elliot didn’t deny.
After Lexi’s play, Jules confessed her love for Rue. Rue didn’t respond verbally but kissed Jules on the forehead. Rue’s voiceover revealed she stayed sober through the school year’s end.
Fezco struggled to attend Lexi’s play but was thwarted. Faye warned Fezco about Custer’s cooperation with the police just as he was leaving. Ashtray stabbed Custer, prompting Fezco to take the blame by placing his fingerprints on the knife.
Ashtray refused to let Fezco take the fall and barricaded himself in the bathroom with guns. Police broke in, leading to a shootout. Fezco was shot and pleaded with Ashtray to surrender. Officers found Ashtray seemingly unconscious, but he killed an officer.
The camera focused on Fezco’s face as a gunshot was heard. Fezco and Faye were arrested, and Fezco’s letter to Lexi remained unopened.
What to Expect in Season 3?
Seasons 1 and 2 each had 8 episodes. The third season is expected to follow suit, though HBO hasn’t confirmed the number. Plot details are scarce, but season 3 will likely continue from where season 2 left off.
For Zendaya’s Elle September 2023 cover story, Sam Levinson shared that he envisions season 3 as a “film noir.” Through Rue, he plans to “explore what it means to be an individual with principles in a corrupt world.”
The show will address Angus Cloud’s absence. Fezco’s arrest at season 2’s end could mean he’s imprisoned offscreen. Before his passing, Angus hoped for his character’s redemption. “Everyone can change, you know? He’s just a survivor. He’s going to figure out how to make the best of situations,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. He hinted that Fez would “have some time to sit and think” about Ashtray, suggesting a future behind bars.
Cassie’s meltdown over Lexi’s play showed a new side of her. Her tumultuous relationship with Nate is far from over, and Sydney Sweeney hopes to explore more of Cassie’s “evil” side. “There was a bit of Cassie that I got to play with when she started saying that she’s crazier than Maddy in a scene with Nate. And she kind of got a little more evil and dark and serious, and not so frantic. I would love to play with more of that streak within herself,” Sydney told Variety.
Maddy and Cassie’s friendship was shattered after Maddy learned of Cassie’s affair with Nate. “We obviously end with Maddy and Cassie’s gorgeous friendship shattered. So, that leaves one to question whether or not they will reconnect, [if the] female friendship will thrive or if they will just never talk to each other again,” Alexa told Entertainment Tonight.
Alexa also discussed Maddy’s journey in season 3. “Maddy is extremely internal and reflecting on a lot of what has gone down between the two people she cared about and thought cared about her,” she said. “I think she’s figuring out where to go next and finding more independence.”
Jacob Elordi expects Sam Levinson to surprise him with Nate’s development in season 3. “Given the change in the second season, I’d imagine [season 3] would just be a complete shock again,” he told Entertainment Tonight. “It could just be like a completely new show again.” There’s potential for Nate and Jules to become friends after he gave her the tape of her encounter with Cal.
After a challenging season for Rue, Zendaya believes there’s “hope” for her character in season 3. “We carried her all the way to hopefully what is rock bottom and a dark moment, and hopefully by the end leave with a sense of happiness and joy that there is hope for her in the end,” she told Variety.
Colman Domingo revealed that Ali might get a backstory in the third season. “I’ve had some small conversations with Sam [Levinson], and I know that he’s going to take some big swings because he’s that kind of an artist. The moment you’re comfortable with the show, he’s got to pull the rug out from under you just a little bit,” he told Entertainment Tonight. “I think he really wants to unpack Ali. Show some backstory.” This post will be updated as more Euphoria season 3 details become available.
