With its stable of young, increasingly popular stars, an iconoclastic creator in Sam Levinson , and grueling shoots, Euphoria is a uniquely challenging series to make. It’s why the HBO hit, which has made actors like Sydney Sweeney and Jacob Elordi household names and affirmed the high-wattage power of Zendaya, has no clear release date for its third season. The second season ended in February 2022, and since then there’s been little clarity on when the polarizing teen drama will return, and what the plot could look like going forwards.
Zendaya said she hoped Rue, who has consistently been through some of the most harrowing situations of any Euphoria character, would be able to find “a little bit of happiness and a little bit of joy.” She also explained that her character is based off of Levinson’s own life, and that he was able to overcome his addictions to find fulfillment. “He’s proof that there is hope for Rue and anyone like Rue.”
It’s unclear how the tragic passing of actor Angus Cloud will affect production, though the loss will clearly change plans for Season 3, and the creative team may not want to rush into production in order to give the cast and crew proper time to grieve. After Cloud’s sudden death in late July, Schafer, Zendaya, and others shared moving words about their friend and peer via social media. (There was a particularly moving post from Apatow, whose character had a burgeoning relationship with Cloud’s Fezco that was a highlight of the second season.)