It appears that the production of Euphoria Season 3 has encountered a series of formidable challenges, prompting questions about whether the continuation of the show is both feasible and advisable. The hurdles began with the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a delay in the release of the second season until early 2022. Now, additional obstacles, including strikes in Hollywood, potential unavailability of cast members, and controversies surrounding showrunner Sam Levinson, have further complicated the show’s progression.
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, which persisted for a staggering 148 days, significantly impacted numerous productions, including Euphoria. Although the strike has recently come to an end, the writing for Season 3 is still in progress, given that Levinson is the sole episode writer.
In addition to the writers’ strike, the ongoing Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Arts (SAG-AFTRA) strike has hindered production. Negotiations between the parties broke down, leaving shows like Euphoria unable to proceed with filming.
The cast’s burgeoning careers also present a challenge. Lead actress Zendaya, in particular, has risen to prominence in Hollywood, with major film releases lined up for early 2024. Other cast members, such as Jacob Elordi and Sydney Sweeney, are also gaining recognition in their respective projects. This increased demand for the cast and their potential aging out of their high school roles in Euphoria may pose further complications for the show’s future.
Furthermore, there have been ongoing concerns about mature content in Euphoria, particularly scenes involving nudity and sexualization of teenage characters. This became a significant point of contention during Season 2, prompting discussions among cast members about the necessity of such scenes. Some cast members expressed discomfort with the level of nudity portrayed in the script. These concerns have sparked debates about the portrayal of sensitive content in the show.
The release of Levinson’s new show, “The Idol,” at Cannes in 2023, received negative reviews, with criticisms of its exploitative and gratuitous content. This has raised questions about Levinson’s approach to writing and the potential impact on Euphoria Season 3.
While Season 1 of Euphoria was generally well-received, Season 2 faced criticism from viewers regarding certain storylines. The season was perceived by some as not living up to the standard set by its predecessor and special holiday episodes.
In light of these challenges and controversies, the future of Euphoria Season 3 remains uncertain, leaving fans and critics alike eager to see how the show’s creators address these issues and navigate the path forward.