Zendaya Sets the Record Straight on Euphoria Delays

Zendaya is addressing rumors surrounding the delays of Euphoria’s highly anticipated Season 3 and making it clear that her schedule wasn’t the cause.

The Emmy-winning actress spoke to Vanity Fair in an interview published Wednesday, refuting claims that she was the reason for the production’s slow pace.

“I will say, I have been off for a couple years, so not delayed because of my [schedule]. … I’ve been open, just waiting,” Zendaya said with a laugh.

While she starred in two major films, Dune: Part Two and Challengers, this year, she pointed out that both projects were filmed back in 2022. “I haven’t been on a set in, like, two years almost,” she admitted, adding that she feels “rusty” and sometimes questions whether she can “even do this anymore.”

The actress reassured fans that Euphoria is set to resume filming in January, although she hasn’t received any scripts yet. “I haven’t read anything yet, but I’m excited to see what everyone has been working on, and what the future looks like for Euphoria,” she noted. Zendaya promised to continue to do justice to her portrayal of Rue Bennett, a role that has earned her widespread acclaim. “I will do justice by the people who love and care about [Rue],” she added.

Zendaya’s remarks come months after a Hollywood Reporter story in July suggested that the show’s delays were due to her focusing on a “burgeoning film career.” A source close to show creator Sam Levinson even claimed, “It was all about [Zendaya]. Everybody wanted to make it about Sam, but it was her.” The report also suggested tension between Levinson and Zendaya, claiming that their once-close relationship had “cooled,” leading to some “resentment.”

Euphoria first premiered in June 2019 to critical and fan acclaim, but has been off the air since February 2022. HBO’s production on Season 3, which will reportedly feature a time jump to transition the characters out of high school, has faced multiple delays. Initially planned for 2024, the network announced that shooting would begin in early 2025. Sources previously told Page Six that the third season might be the last, with the network aiming to “go out with a bang.”