HBO’s “Euphoria” is starting to seem like a utopian dream as practically nothing is going well for the show. Unfortunately, HBO’s misery doesn’t seem to be ending, and it’s reflected in the scriptwriting as well.
You see, “Euphoria” grew really big, and when any show takes a pause of two or three years between consecutive seasons, fans tend to make a massive deal out of it, sometimes unintentionally crushing the show under the weight of expectations. And “Euphoria” is going through the same phase.
Initially, “Euphoria” was officially delayed by HBO, but now it has entered quite an uncertain realm. Even some of the cast members are raising their eyebrows regarding the show’s future. However, from HBO’s side, there seems to be active participation in terms of making the show, at least according to reports indicating some major script changes.
Variety reports that Sam Levinson, with full creative control over “Euphoria,” pitched a time jump for Season 3 in winter 2023. HBO initially approved, but Zendaya, now 27, expressed concerns about the scripts post-WGA strike. While not having veto power, Zendaya’s input as star and executive producer is significant.
Levinson was already revising due to the death of actor Angus Cloud and producer Kevin Turen. Zendaya and Levinson’s collaboration, seen in “Malcolm & Marie,” influences Season 3’s direction. Despite HBO and Levinson’s teams declining comment, the dynamic between Zendaya and Levinson shapes the show’s creative process.
By late 2023 and early 2024, HBO executives found Sam Levinson’s revised scripts unsatisfactory. Changes included a new arc for Zendaya’s Rue, initially sidelined as a private detective, a concept HBO rejected. Zendaya proposed a pregnancy surrogate storyline for Rue, but the revised scripts didn’t align tonally with the show.
HBO considered options like Levinson stepping away or producing a movie or specials, yet contractual obligations and cast commitments, notably Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Jacob Elordi, ensured a third season with Levinson. Despite creative differences, the cast remains dedicated to completing “Euphoria” as envisioned.