The season 2 finale of Euphoria delivered a series of unexpected twists, leaving audiences with lingering questions.
Throughout the season, hints suggested Fez’s (Angus Cloud) potential demise, but in a tragic turn of events, it was his younger brother who met his end.
After being sold out to the police, Ashtray (Javon Walton) took matters into his own hands. Instead of letting Fez take the fall for their crimes, Ashtray barricaded himself in the bathroom with an arsenal of weapons and was killed off-screen in a shootout with law enforcement.
Following the finale, Cloud shared his thoughts on Fez’s devastating loss in a February 2022 interview. “He just felt like Ash was so young that he wanted him to still have a chance at living a whole life,” Cloud explained. “They’re definitely brothers. They raised each other. So it’s like, as close as you can get.”
Season 3 Delays and Tragedy
Plans for season 3 were delayed due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, as well as creator Sam Levinson’s demanding schedule. Then, in July 2023, the Euphoria cast faced heartbreaking news when Cloud’s family confirmed his passing at age 25.
When Will Season 3 Air?
HBO renewed Euphoria for a third season in February 2022, though no premiere date was announced. Based on previous filming schedules, the show was initially expected to return in late 2023 or early 2024.
However, the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes delayed production, and HBO later confirmed another postponement.
“HBO and [creator] Sam Levinson remain committed to making an exceptional third season,” a network spokesperson told Us Weekly in March 2024. “In the interim, we are allowing our in-demand cast to pursue other opportunities.”
When Will Filming Begin?
Eric Dane revealed in a Variety interview that production had been set to begin in November 2022, adding, “It’s always going to be changing.”
However, filming was delayed due to the 2023 WGA strike, Levinson’s work on The Idol, and Zendaya’s packed schedule.
HBO executive Francesca Orsi addressed the delays in a May 2023 TV Line interview, explaining, “Euphoria is one of those [shows] that we had begun writing in tandem with post-production on The Idol, but at this point, we don’t have countless scripts.
We can’t start shooting, so the delivery of that show—ideally in 2025—will be determined on when we can pick back up with Sam, who at this point is [not writing] and just finishing post on The Idol.”
Zendaya later confirmed in November 2024 that production is now scheduled to start in early 2025. “[Euphoria] is slated for January, I believe,” she told Vanity Fair. “I haven’t read anything yet, but I’m excited to see what everyone has been working on, and what the future looks like for Euphoria.”
HBO released a first look at filming in February 2025.
What Will Season 3 Explore?
The season 2 finale appeared to conclude Rue’s (Zendaya) journey toward sobriety. In an August 2023 interview with Elle, Levinson described season 3 as a “film noir” that would explore “what it means to be an individual with principles in a corrupt world” through Rue’s perspective.
Meanwhile, Maddy (Alexa Demie) and Cassie’s (Sydney Sweeney) explosive fallout could set the stage for a deeper examination of their former friendship.
Is a Time Jump Planned?
Zendaya has expressed interest in taking the storyline beyond high school. “I think it’ll be exciting to explore the characters out of high school,” she told in August 2022.
“I want to see what Rue looks like in her sobriety journey, how chaotic that might be. But also, with all the characters—seeing them navigate life after high school and figure out who they want to be.”
In June 2024, HBO CEO and chairman Casey Bloys confirmed that Levinson was working on a significant time jump.
“One of the issues I think Sam is thinking about is that he doesn’t want to have it in high school anymore,” Bloys revealed.
“That’s where it was set and what made sense then. So when you take it out of that, there’s a lot of back and forth about where to set it and how far in the future to go. But I think he’s got a take that he’s excited about, and he’s busy writing.”
Season 3 will introduce new cast members, including Marshawn Lynch, Rosalia, Kadeem Hardison, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, and Toby Wallace. Other additions include Priscilla Delgado, James Landry Hébert, Darrell Britt-Gibson, and Anna Van Patten.
Will Elliot Return?
Dominic Fike initially confirmed during a February 2022 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that he would “absolutely” return for season 3.
However, nearly two years later, Fike expressed uncertainty. “I don’t really talk to them anymore,” he told Variety, referring to the Euphoria team. “That’d be dope, though. Who knows? I’ve got stuff to do.”
What’s Next for Cal?
Although Nate (Jacob Elordi) had his father arrested, Cal’s storyline is far from over.
“There’s gonna be redemption. I mean, that’s the trajectory he’s on,” Dane told Variety in February 2022. “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 Grey’s Anatomy alum added that he hopes to see Cal mend his relationship with Nate.
Could Ashtray Return?
Javon Walton has left the door open for a possible return.
“I hope he realizes that drugs aren’t the right path for him,” Walton told Entertainment Weekly in March 2022. “If he’s back, he needs to just focus on himself. He’s a 13-year-old boy in the show—he has a lot to live for.”
That August, he told E! News that he had “no clue” if he would return. “And I’m not just saying that. With Euphoria, it’s pretty random, and if I do end up coming back, I’ll probably know last second that I am.”
Will Zendaya Direct?
Zendaya nearly made her directorial debut in season 2.
“I was supposed to direct episode 6,” she revealed in a July Vogue Italia interview. “But I didn’t have enough time.”
When asked if she would direct in season 3, she responded, “Next season, probably.”
Who Isn’t Returning?
In August 2022, Barbie Ferreira announced her departure from Euphoria.
“After four years of getting to embody the most special and enigmatic character Kat, I’m having to say a very teary-eyed goodbye,” the Unpregnant actress wrote via Instagram Story.
In November 2024, Storm Reid confirmed she won’t reprise her role as Rue’s younger sister, Gia.
“Unfortunately, Gia’s not returning to the third season,” she told Rotten Tomatoes. “But Euphoria is a really special thing, and I’m so glad it’s part of my legacy.”
How Secretive Are Season 3’s Details?
Nika King, who plays Rue’s mom Leslie, teased in September 2022, saying, “Woah girl, you trying to get me fired. No, girl. I can’t tease. Ain’t no teasing.”
“But it’s gonna be an amazing season 3,” she assured. “I just can’t wait to see what [Sam Levinson] cooks up.”
