Why “Euphoria” season 3 is delayed: The controversies explained
- HBO’s “Euphoria” is set to begin production in January 2025.
- Critics have questioned the treatment of certain characters.
- The casting shake-up sparked rumors of creative differences between Ferreira and “Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson.
HBO has been working on the highly anticipated return of “Euphoria” for some time. Since the second season aired in January 2022, fans have been eagerly awaiting the next chapter of the hit series.
Now, more than two years later, production on season three is finally scheduled to begin in January 2025. However, much has changed both on and off-screen since the last season.
Despite the show’s early success and the stardom of its lead cast, *Euphoria* has faced numerous controversies that have impacted its momentum. Production delays have arisen from several issues, including the challenges of COVID-19 and changes in the roles of key cast members.
Fan support for the series, which was strong initially, has started to wane in recent months as criticisms have emerged over how certain characters were handled in season two.
One of the first signs of trouble came during season two, when fans questioned the treatment of some characters. A major concern was the portrayal of Cassie (Sydney Sweeney), with many viewers feeling that the show reduced her to a one-dimensional villain.
In addition, Barbie Ferreira’s character Kat, a fan favorite in season one, appeared less in the second season. Ferreira’s absence became even more noticeable when she announced in August 2022 that she would not return for season three.
The announcement sparked rumors of creative differences between Ferreira and “Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson. Although neither Ferreira nor Levinson directly confirmed the reasons for her exit, many fans speculated that tensions on set led to her departure. The casting shake-up marked the start of a series of controversies surrounding the show’s production and creative direction.
Levinson, the mastermind behind “Euphoria”, faced even more scrutiny with the release of his controversial series *The Idol* in 2023.
Created in collaboration with musician The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), “The Idol” attracted attention for its highly sexualized content and divisive narrative. Despite receiving a standing ovation at Cannes, the show faced harsh criticism from both critics and viewers.
While the stars of “The Idol” defended the project, the backlash raised questions about Levinson’s approach to storytelling, especially in “Euphoria”. The controversy surrounding “The Idol” fueled an ongoing debate about whether Levinson’s character-driven narratives were groundbreaking or problematic.
In 2023, “Euphoria” faced another devastating blow with the sudden death of actor Angus Cloud, who portrayed the beloved character Fezco. Cloud, who was 25, passed away from an accidental drug overdose. His death profoundly impacted both the cast and fans of the show, who mourned the loss of both the actor and his character.
Fezco’s storyline in season two ended on a major cliffhanger, and Cloud’s passing has left many wondering how the show will address his absence.
The loss of such a key cast member raises questions about how Levinson and the team will navigate the storylines of the remaining characters in season three. While it remains unclear how the show will write out Cloud’s character, his death will undoubtedly cast a somber shadow over the upcoming season.
