The highly anticipated launch of Euphoria season 3 was marked by drama both on and off screen, with rumors of a rift between lead actress Zendaya and co-star Sydney Sweeney dominating headlines. According to Richard Osman and Marina Hyde on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, Zendaya arrived an hour late to the premiere as a 'power move' to avoid tension with Sweeney. Inside sources told major media outlets that the two actresses avoid each other 'on and off' set due to a feud. At the premiere, Zendaya did not pose with any other cast members, according to multiple reports. The actresses attended in contrasting gowns, further fueling speculation about their relationship.
Critical reception has been mixed, with season 3 earning a 42% 'rotten' rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers on social media criticized scenes of Cassie, played by Sydney Sweeney, filming OnlyFans content dressed as a baby and a dog, calling it a 'humiliation ritual.' Some viewers also noted that Jacob Elordi appears to be 'physically forcing himself through every take' in the new season. The season includes graphic scenes of characters vomiting and defecating, including a scene where Rue and Faye swallow fentanyl balloons and later defecate in a strainer, as reported by multiple outlets. Additionally, a Nazi flag and a Swastika tattoo appear in a sex scene involving Faye and Wayne, according to four sources. The show has also been criticized for using the N-word repeatedly, as noted by viewers on social media.
Season 3 picks up five years after season 2, with characters now in their early twenties, according to creator Sam Levinson. Rue, played by Zendaya, is still struggling with drug addiction and has moved to Mexico, as reported by multiple media outlets. In a surprising twist, Cassie and Nate get married in season 3. Eric Dane appears posthumously as Cal Jacobs. The second trailer, according to research, shows Rue in an interrogation room being asked if she has ever been to Mexico, and later smuggling drugs in Mexico. Other trailer scenes include Jules painting in her studio, Lexi making moves in Hollywood with a cameo from Sharon Stone, and Maddy helping Cassie with her NSFW content career.
Production details have also sparked confusion. HBO announced that Euphoria season 3 would return in spring 2026, but the season premiered on April 12, 2025, according to some sources. This discrepancy has left fans uncertain about the actual release date. HBO also revealed that the season was shot on a new Kodak motion picture film stock in both 35mm and 65mm. For context, Euphoria season 2 was the most-tweeted-about TV show of the decade ahead of its season 2 finale on February 27, 2022, according to X (formerly Twitter).