Actor Nika King will return as Leslie Bennett, the mother of Zendaya’s Rue, in the upcoming third season of HBO’s Euphoria. The news was confirmed after a first-look image from the new season began circulating online, offering fans an early glimpse of King back in character.
The image, shared by Pop Base on X, shows King’s Leslie in a subdued, intimate moment, continuing the grounded and emotionally charged presence that has defined the character since the show’s debut.
Leslie Bennett’s role in Euphoria
Since Euphoria premiered in 2019, Leslie Bennett has served as one of the series’ most emotionally anchored characters. As Rue’s mother, Leslie has been portrayed as a parent struggling to support a child battling addiction while also protecting the rest of her family from the fallout.
King’s performance has been widely praised for its realism, particularly during Euphoria’s second season, which explored the escalating tension between Rue and her family. Her return suggests that season 3 will continue to examine the long-term consequences of Rue’s actions rather than resetting her arc.
What the first-look image suggests
While HBO has not released official plot details, the tone of the image aligns with Euphoria’s established visual language—muted lighting, intimate framing, and a focus on quiet emotional beats. Leslie appears contemplative, hinting that the character may once again be navigating difficult family decisions as Rue’s story progresses.
The image does not reveal context, but its release confirms that production on season 3 is moving forward after a lengthy hiatus.
Euphoria season 3 production status
Euphoria season 3 has faced multiple delays since the conclusion of season 2 in 2022, due to scheduling conflicts, industry strikes, and creator Sam Levinson’s other commitments. HBO has confirmed that the series will return, though an official release date has not yet been announced.
Several main cast members are expected to return, with the new season reportedly taking place years after the events of season 2. This time jump has fueled speculation about how characters like Rue and Leslie have evolved in the interim.
Fan reaction and expectations
Following the release of the image, fans responded positively online, with many highlighting Leslie Bennett as one of the show’s most emotionally authentic characters. King’s return has been seen as a sign that Euphoria will maintain its focus on family dynamics alongside its exploration of addiction, trauma, and recovery.
As HBO continues to roll out updates, the first look at Nika King’s return marks one of the clearest signs yet that Euphoria season 3 is taking shape.