It’s about time.
After a lengthy hiatus and uncertainties over its return, HBO’s Emmy-winning series “Euphoria” is finally set to begin production on its long-awaited third season. The main cast — including Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, Alexa Demie, Maude Apatow and Hunter Schafer — are expected to return.
Filming is officially scheduled to begin in January 2025, marking roughly three years since the premiere of Season 2. HBO has confirmed that all principal cast members will be reprising their roles.
“I am thrilled that we are ready to begin production on ‘Euphoria’ in January. We could not be happier with our creative partnership with Sam and this incredible cast,” Francesca Orsi, executive vice president of HBO programming and head of HBO drama series and films, said in a statement. “We look forward to bringing this new season of ‘Euphoria’ to life for the fans.”
While an airdate hasn’t been set, it’s anticipated that the new season won’t premiere before late next year, potentially resulting in a gap of up to four years between seasons.
The series faced initial delays due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists strikes in Hollywood, followed by scheduling conflicts among the star-studded cast.
During the show’s hiatus, star Angus Cloud died in July 2023 at the age of 25. His death was ruled an accidental overdose due to the combined effects of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl and benzodiazepine.
Before news of the show’s return, HBO CEO Casey Bloys told Variety that there had been “a lot of back and forth” with creator Sam Levinson and the idea of a five-year time jump for the characters.
“One of the issues I think that Sam is thinking about is that he doesn’t want to have it in high school anymore,” Bloys said in June. “That’s where it was set and what made sense then.”
Zendaya, who is also an executive producer, played coy about the show coming back in April.
“If it’s right for the characters and everything turns out the way it should, of course,” she told Variety. “But it’s beyond me.”
Schafer, 25, who plays Jules Vaughn, expressed optimism with Variety that same month.
“I just really miss everybody. Everyone is doing very well in their careers right now,” she said. “Everyone’s kind of blown up, and so with that comes people traveling a lot.”
“Whatever happens, I’m just excited to get back together once it’s time and catch up and hang out.”
