When it comes to whether Zendaya will return as Rue Bennett in Euphoria Season 3, the answer is a resounding yes. After months of uncertainty about the future of HBO’s groundbreaking teen drama, fans finally have confirmation that the Emmy-winning actress will reprise her role.
With production officially underway, Euphoria is set to return with its core cast intact. However, there are some significant changes coming. The third season promises new cast additions and an overall tonal shift. This marks a fresh chapter for the series. As anticipation builds for the show’s Spring 2026 return, here’s everything we know about Zendaya’s involvement and what fans can expect.
Is Zendaya going to be in season three of ‘Euphoria’?
Yes, Zendaya is confirmed to return as Rue Bennett for Euphoria Season 3. HBO and the show’s production company verified that the core cast, including Zendaya, will be back for the third season. Production began in early 2025. Since they started filming, Zendaya has been photographed on set in what appears to be a pivotal moment for her character. HBO also released a first-look image showing Zendaya in character as Rue.
For fans who have followed Rue’s journey through addiction, recovery, and self-discovery, Zendaya’s return ensures continuity in the show’s emotional core. The confirmation is particularly significant given the challenges Euphoria has faced. Some of these challenges include pandemic delays, scheduling conflicts, and the tragic loss of cast member Angus Cloud in 2023.
How does Tom Holland feel about Zendaya’s Rue?
While Zendaya’s return as Rue is confirmed, an interesting side note involves her real-life partner Tom Holland and his thoughts on the show. Holland has been vocal about his admiration for Euphoria. His comments have been more playful than critical. In a 2022 interview with People, the Spider-Man actor jokingly expressed interest in guest-starring on the HBO series.
“I would be in Euphoria,” he told the outlet. “I think I would be a really good Maddy.”
Zendaya later addressed Holland’s comments in an interview with NME. She noted that the couple had discussed the idea in jest. While the notion of Holland appearing on Euphoria remains purely hypothetical, his enthusiasm reflects genuine support for Zendaya’s work. Rather than offering professional critique of Rue’s character arc, Holland’s public comments demonstrate his role as a supportive partner. He appreciates the show from a fan’s perspective. The increasingly in-demand stars will both appear in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey.
Does Zendaya do her own stunts in ‘Euphoria’?
Yes, Zendaya performs many of her own stunts and physically demanding scenes in Euphoria. Stunt doubles are used for the more dangerous sequences. The actress has been open about the physical toll that playing Rue has taken. In an interview with PopSugar, Zendaya revealed that she sustained bruises and scars during production. She noted one particularly difficult day on set where she felt like she “beat myself up.”
The decision to perform her own stunts adds authenticity to Rue’s visceral journey through addiction and mental health struggles. Euphoria is known for its unflinching portrayal of difficult subject matter. Zendaya’s willingness to physically embody Rue’s most vulnerable moments contributes to the show’s raw emotional impact. This physical commitment is just one aspect of what makes her Emmy-winning portrayal so compelling.
Who else is confirmed for ‘Euphoria’ season three?
Beyond Zendaya, several major cast members are returning for Euphoria Season 3. The returning ensemble includes Hunter Schafer as Jules Vaughn, Sydney Sweeney as Cassie Howard, Maude Apatow as Lexi Howard, Alexa Demie as Maddy Perez, Jacob Elordi as Nate Jacobs, and Colman Domingo as Ali.
Season 3 is also expanding its cast with high-profile additions. New cast members include Rosalía, Sharon Stone, Marshawn Lynch, Natasha Lyonne, Danielle Deadwyler, Eli Roth, and Trisha Paytas. These additions suggest that Euphoria is broadening its scope beyond the original high school setting. The show may explore new environments as the characters age into young adulthood.
The casting choices hint at the show’s evolving creative direction. With eight episodes confirmed for Season 3, the combination of returning favorites and fresh faces positions this season as a transitional chapter. The HBO series joins other anticipated 2026 releases from the premium network.
Which cast members won’t be returning?
Not everyone from previous seasons will return for Euphoria Season 3. Storm Reid, who played Rue’s younger sister Gia Bennett, confirmed to People that she will not appear in the upcoming season. Barbie Ferreira, who portrayed Kat Hernandez, has also indicated she won’t return.
Most significantly, Euphoria must navigate the absence of Angus Cloud. He played fan-favorite character Fezco. Cloud passed away in July 2023 at the age of 25. The show has confirmed it will honor his memory while addressing Fezco’s absence in Season 3. These departures represent a significant shift in the show’s ensemble dynamic.
When is season three of ‘Euphoria’ coming?
Euphoria Season 3 is currently slated for a Spring 2026 release. HBO has not announced a specific premiere date yet. The eight-episode season is expected to take several months to complete. The lengthy production timeline, combined with post-production needs, points to a possible spring or summer 2026 debut.
The significant gap between Season 2, which concluded in February 2022, and Season 3 represents more than three years between installments. According to Decider, this extended hiatus was caused by pandemic delays, scheduling conflicts with the increasingly busy cast, labor strikes in Hollywood, and the time needed for creator Sam Levinson to reimagine the show’s creative direction.
While Spring 2026 may seem far away, the confirmation that production is underway offers hope. The wait is finally nearing its end. Fans should expect more concrete information about the release date as production continues through 2025 and post-production begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Euphoria based on a true story?
No, Euphoria is not based on a true story. The plot of the show draws inspiration from real issues affecting teenagers and young adults. Levinson created the series for HBO, and he adapted it from an Israeli series of the same name. While the characters and storylines are fictional, the show tackles real-world themes. These include addiction, trauma, identity and mental health. Rue Bennett’s journey, while not based on a specific person, reflects authentic experiences that many people face.
Who gets paid the most on Euphoria?
Zendaya is the highest-paid cast member on Euphoria. She reportedly earns approximately $1 million per episode for Season 3. This substantial pay increase reflects both her Emmy-winning performance and her role as an executive producer on the series. Her compensation places her among the highest-paid actors in television. It underscores her central importance to the show’s success and continued viability.