HBO responds to Euphoria 'cancelled' rumours - two years on from season 2 premiere

The hit drama Euphoria has faced substantial production delays for its highly anticipated next season, leading to whispers of cancellation, which have now been addressed by HBO.

The eagerly-awaited third season was confirmed in 2022 after the critically-acclaimed finale of season two.

However, challenges including conflicting schedules of the cast, the 2023 SAG-AFTRA labour action, and the heart-breaking passing of Angus Cloud, a pivotal actor in the series, have caused setbacks.

Amidst growing speculation from fans, who hold the show's 88% Rotten Tomatoes approval rating in high regard, HBO put an end to the rumour mill with a pointed rebuttal: "Nothing has changed."

A representative from the network clarified the situation to The Independent, asserting: "Euphoria is going into production in 2025. Nothing has changed."

The brainchild of Sam Levinson, this edgy teen drama centres on Rue Bennett (portrayed by Zendaya), a teenager grappling with substance abuse. The narrative extends to Rue's peers, who each deal with their own demons ranging from toxic relationships and past traumas to mental health woes and exploring their identities, reports the Mirror.

The show boasts a cast that includes Sydney Sweeney from Anyone But You, and features Hunter Schafer (as Jules), Jacob Elordi (as Nate), Alexa Demie (as Maddy), Algee Smith (as Chris), Maude Apatow (as Lexi), Storm Reid (as Gia), Nika King (as Leslie), Austin Abrams (as Ethan), and Colman Domingo (as Ali).

The wait for the next series has sparked chatter about the noticeable changes in the appearances of the actors, considering it has been more than two years since the second season aired.

Earlier in the year, leading actor Jacob Elordi dropped hints regarding a narrative leap to address this change during his chat on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, saying: "I hope [filming is] soon, otherwise they're going to have to Benjamin Button me or something. I'm going to have, like, a bad back, walking down the hallway."

Elordi added, "I'm assuming that we're going to have to go forward [in time]."

Confirmation of the time skip came from Zendaya, both star and executive producer, in a chat with Entertainment Weekly about the upcoming season.

Both Elordi and Zendaya are bracing for busy schedules ahead. Elordi is poised to take the lead in new adaptations of classics - Wuthering Heights and Frankenstein - and buzz is he's in negotiations for a spot in Luca Guadagnino's remake of American Psycho.

Zendaya isn't far behind with her plate full, currently on set for A24's latest romance flick, The Drama, acting alongside Robert Pattinson. She's also rumoured to be joining the cast of an as-yet-untitled project by none other than Christopher Nolan.

Euphoria is available to stream on Sky Atlantic in the UK, while fans in the US can catch up with the series on HBO.