The third season of Euphoria has officially started filming after a major delay — but not every fan favorite is returning for more episodes of the show.
Euphoria, which premiered in 2019, follows troubled high school student Rue (Zendaya) as she struggles to remain sober after rehab. The ensemble cast initially included Hunter Schafer, Alexa Demie, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, Maude Apatow, Colman Domingo and more.
The hit HBO series was quickly renewed for a second season after its premiere, but it took nearly three years for the episodes to air, with the network ordering two individual specials about the aftermath of Rue and Jules’ (Schafer) breakup in the meantime.
Season 3 was originally set to air on HBO in 2025 before facing several obstacles, including creator Sam Levinson’s commitment to his short-lived series The Idol. The dual WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which took place in late 2023, prolonged the delay.
“We’ve been through strikes before, you know, they increase the cost,” HBO CEO Casey Bloys said in November 2023 about production costs potentially increasing as a result. “I don’t see a scenario where I go, ‘Well, I was going to make another tentpole show, but now I’m not going to because we have to pay X amount more.’ I don’t think it works like that.”
Production was ultimately delayed again without an official start date. “HBO and [creator] Sam Levinson remain committed to making an exceptional third season,” a spokesperson for the network told Us Weekly in March. “In the interim, we are allowing our in-demand cast to pursue other opportunities.”
It has since been confirmed that Euphoria started production in early 2025. “We’ve talked about it, I don’t think anything is over until it’s over, but it’s been discussed that this is the end,” HBO’s head of drama Francesca Orsi shared in February 2025. “I think you will be very satisfied with this season, and how we bring each of the characters’ whole narrative.”
Several crucial cast members have confirmed their exits though. Keep scrolling to see which Euphoria characters are returning for season 3 — and which aren’t:
Rue Bennett
Before production began, Zendaya clarified that her busy schedule had nothing to do with the wait. “I will say, I have been off for a couple years,” she told Vanity Fair in November 2024 when asked about the show’s future. “[Euphoria is] not delayed because of [me] … I’ve been open, just waiting.”
The actress said she was “waiting” for updates on the hit HBO series, adding, “I’m actually going to start filming a project soon before Euphoria, and I’m like, ‘Man, I’m rusty. I haven’t been on a set in, like, two years almost.’ I’m a little bit terrified. I’m like, ‘Can I even do this anymore?’ I don’t know.”
She concluded: “[Euphoria] is slated for January [2025], I believe. 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.”
Jules Vaughn
Schafer mentioned on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast in August 2024 that she has “no f—ing idea what’s going on” with season 3.
“You can ask literally all of the cast. The real tea is that a lot has happened,” Schafer continued while addressing former costar Angus Cloud’s death. “I think everyone feels a certain sense of anticipation for if we are supposed to do season 3.”
She continued: “Obviously, I’m still coming to terms about what’s happened and losing people that we really loved and were a part of this family and everything. If we do go back, that’s going to be tough.”
Euphoria fans have watched the cast change on and off screen since the series first debuted. Based on the Israeli series of the same name, Euphoria follows troubled high school student Rue (Zendaya) as she struggled to remain sober after rehab. The series also explores topics including mental illness, toxic relationships, sexuality and more. After […]
Cassie Howard
Sweeney has made it clear that her schedule has been cleared to return to the show, telling Josh Horowitz in a March 2024 interview, “I go into Euphoria. Maybe [I have seen some scripts already]. I don’t know.”
Maddy Perez
Demie is expected to return as Maddy after playing the character in the first two seasons of Euphoria.
Kat Hernandez
“After four years of getting to embody the most special and enigmatic character Kat, I’m having to say a very teary-eyed goodbye,” Barbie Ferreira wrote via her Instagram Story in August 2022. “I hope many of you could see yourself in her like I did and that she brought you joy to see her journey into the character she is today. I put all my care and love into her and I hope you guys could feel it.”
Fez O’Neill
In July 2023, Cloud died at age 25 following an accidental overdose. Season 3 of Euphoria is expected to address the fate of his character, Fezco.
Lexi Howard
Apatow hasn’t discussed the extensive wait for more episodes of Euphoria, but she is expected to reprise the role of Lexi in season 3.
Nate Jacobs
“I hope [we begin filming] soon, or they’re going to have to Benjamin Button me or something. I’m going to have a bad back walking down the hallway, you know?” Elodri joked on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in January 2024 before pitching a time jump. “I’m assuming that we’ll have to go forward, otherwise it’s going to seem a weird bit.”
Euphoria‘s season 2 finale introduced many twists and turns that ended with the audience having more questions than answers. Even though the entire season hinted at Fez’s (Angus Cloud) potential demise, it was actually his little brother that ended up dying after they were sold out to the police. Instead of allowing Fez to take […]
Ali Muhammed
What would Euphoria be without Domingo’s character, Ali? Luckily none of Us will find out because Domingo has confirmed he is continuing with the show.
“I will go back to my show Euphoria [soon],” he told The Hollywood Reporter in January 2025. “I haven’t read [the script], but [creator Sam Levinson] told me some of it, and it’s going to be groundbreaking.”
Elliot
After Dominic Fike joined the show, he started dating Schafer, but the costars ultimately called it quits while fans waited for season 3. It seems unlikelyFike will reprise the polarizing role of Elliot.
“I don’t really talk to them anymore,” he told Variety in 2024 while referring to the team involved with Euphoria. “That be dope, though, [to return, but] who knows? I’ve got stuff to do.”
Ashtray
After rising to stardom for playing Ashtray on Euphoria, Javon “Wanna” Walton made the transition to boxing. Walton exclusively told Us Weekly in July 2024 he had “no damn clue” about the future of Euphoria — or his character — after making the career change.
“Boxing is where my mind is at. I’m trying to live out my legacy in boxing,” he explained. “I’ve made an impact in the acting world — and I will continue to do so — but the focus right now is doing what I did in acting and applying that to boxing. It is about showing people what I’m made of while doing my thing in the ring.”
Cal Jacobs
Similar to his onscreen son — played by Elordi — Eric Dane has expressed plans to return.
“I’m optimistic that it’s gonna come back,” Dane shared during a June 2024 episode of Today With Hoda & Jenna. “There’s a real appetite for that show out there and it’s just too good to let go of.”
Dane previously hinted at an unexpected journey for his character, telling Variety in 2022, “There’s gonna be redemption. I mean, that’s the trajectory he’s on [after being arrested]. I can’t imagine Cal’s life from solitary confinement. It’s tough to work Cal into the story line when he’s behind bars.”
Gia Bennett
“I’m very excited for season 3,” Storm Reid, who played Zendaya’s onscreen sister, told Rotten Tomatoes in November 2024. “Unfortunately, Gia’s not returning to the third season, but I am so, so indebted to the cast and the crew of that show, to HBO. Euphoria’s a really special thing and I’m so glad that that’s a part of my legacy and that I was a part of such a cultural phenomenon … I can’t wait to see what season 3 has in store.”
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Leslie Bennett
During a stand-up show in March 2024, Nika King poked fun at the delays.
“Season 3 is coming out. I don’t f—ing know. Don’t ask me. I don’t know. It’s one of those things,” King, who plays Zendaya’s onscreen mother, quipped. “People are like, ‘We need season 3.’ I’m like, ‘Bitch, I need season 3. 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!’”
She continued: “You’re laughing and I’m serious. I haven’t booked anything since Euphoria, this is some bulls—. I thought my career was on the rise. After Euphoria I thought I was good. It don’t work that way. I called [Taraji P. Henson], she was like, ‘Bitch, get used to it.”
Ethan Daley
With Kat out of the picture, her ex-boyfriend Ethan (Austin Abrams) likely won’t make any appearances in season 3 either.
As fans eagerly anticipate the return of Euphoria for its highly anticipated third season, many are wondering which characters will be making a comeback and which ones will be saying goodbye. Here’s a breakdown of which Euphoria characters are — and aren’t — returning for Season 3:
Returning:
1. Rue Bennett (played by Zendaya): The protagonist of the series, Rue will continue to navigate her struggles with addiction and relationships in Season 3.
2. Jules Vaughn (played by Hunter Schafer): Rue’s love interest and close friend, Jules will likely continue her journey of self-discovery in the upcoming season.
3. Nate Jacobs (played by Jacob Elordi): The troubled antagonist of the series, Nate will surely bring more drama and conflict to Season 3.
4. Cassie Howard (played by Sydney Sweeney): Cassie’s tumultuous relationships and personal struggles are sure to be explored further in the upcoming season.
5. Kat Hernandez (played by Barbie Ferreira): Kat’s evolution from insecure teenager to confident young woman will likely continue to be a focal point in Season 3.
Not Returning:
1. Fezco (played by Angus Cloud): Unfortunately, Fezco’s fate remains uncertain after the events of Season 2, and it’s unclear if he will be returning for Season 3.
2. Maddy Perez (played by Alexa Demie): Maddy’s tumultuous relationship with Nate reached a breaking point in Season 2, and it’s uncertain if she will be back for the upcoming season.
3. Lexi Howard (played by Maude Apatow): Lexi’s role in Season 2 was pivotal in revealing the depths of her character, but it’s unclear if she will continue to be a main focus in Season 3.
As the new season of Euphoria approaches, fans can expect to see a mix of familiar faces and new characters as the series continues to explore the complexities of adolescence, relationships, and identity. Stay tuned for more updates on which characters will be returning for Season 3 of Euphoria.
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