HBO Drops First Look at Zendaya in ‘Euphoria’ Season 3—And Fans Are Losing It!

HBO has officially unveiled the first look at Zendaya reprising her role as Rue Bennett in the highly anticipated third season of “Euphoria.” This exciting reveal coincides with the commencement of production, signaling a promising return for the acclaimed series.

First official look at Zendaya in ‘EUPHORIA’ season 3. pic.twitter.com/TILiLgwSgn

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) February 10, 2025

Fan Reactions: A Surge of Excitement

The release of the first-look image has ignited a wave of enthusiasm across social media platforms. Fans have expressed their excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season.

One fan tweeted, “DIDN’T Y’ALL JUST START FILMING? I’m kinda sat like I’ll watch anything Zendaya’s in.” Another remarked, “Babe, that’s unseen season two footage.” Some expressed relief at the show’s return, with comments like, “Finally, this season is coming out! I thought it had become a legend.” Others humorously noted the quick release of the teaser, stating, “Mind you, they got on set like 3 days ago? They pushed out this first look so fast.”

Production Timeline: Overcoming Delays

The journey to Season 3 has been marked by several delays and challenges. Initially, production was slated to begin earlier, but various factors contributed to postponements. In November 2024, Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content, confirmed that filming for the third season was scheduled to commence in mid to late January 2025.

The delays were attributed to multiple factors, including the 2023 Hollywood writers and actors strikes, the main cast achieving significant success in their careers, and various controversies surrounding creator Sam Levinson.

Narrative Evolution: A Time Jump Ahead

Zendaya has previously hinted at a significant time jump in the upcoming season, suggesting that the narrative will explore the characters beyond their high school years. She emphasized the importance of this progression, stating, “I don’t quite know exactly what the season is going to look like, but I do know that the time jump is happening and I know it’s important because there’s only so much high school drama you can deal with.”

Sam Levinson’s Creative Journey

Sam Levinson, the creator of “Euphoria,” has faced several controversies throughout his career. Critics have raised concerns about the explicit content and portrayal of sensitive subjects in his works. Additionally, there have been reports of on-set tensions and creative disagreements during the production of Euphoria.

Cast Changes: Departures and Tributes

Barbie Ferreira, who portrayed Kat Hernandez, announced her departure from “Euphoria” ahead of the third season. In an interview, Ferreira revealed that her decision stemmed from concerns about her character’s direction, stating that she didn’t want to be “the fat best friend.”

The “Euphoria” cast and crew faced a significant loss with the untimely passing of Angus Cloud, who played the beloved character Fezco. Cloud died of acute intoxication following an accidental overdose. His portrayal of Fezco resonated deeply with audiences, and his absence will be profoundly felt in the upcoming season.

As “Euphoria” moves forward into its third season, it does so with a mix of anticipation and reflection, honoring past contributions while embracing new directions.