Summary
A new report details the tensions between Zendaya and series creator Sam Levinson, illuminating theEuphoriaseason 3 delay. Although it was recently announced thatEuphoriaseason 3would finally begin filming in January 2025, with several key cast members coming back, it seems the troubles are not yet over for the teen drama that’s HBO’s second-biggest hit behindGame of Thrones.
A detailed report fromThe Hollywood Reporterreveals the tense relationship between Zendaya and Levinson. Although the report is largely framed around the dissolved friendship between Levinson and the late producer Kevin Turen, and what might have led to their falling out, several paragraphs are devoted to howthe once close and collaborative bond between Levinson and Zendaya has significantly soured.
Zendaya & Levinson’s Issues Explained In Detail
The Pair Have Not Been On The Same Page
Still, the section on the Zendaya and Levinson relationship concluded with the detail that they are focused on finding the right idea forEuphoriaseason 3, suggesting that their relationship is beginning to thaw.
As mentioned in the report,Zendaya grew frustrated that Levinson spent so much time onThe Idolwhen he hadn’t finished the scripts for season 3. The situation escalated to the point where Zendaya, who won two Emmys for her performance as Rue Bennett, called a meeting with top HBO executives — Casey Bloys and Francesca Orsi — and demanded to know why the network allowed Levinson to work on a different HBO show whenEuphoriawas hanging in the balance.
Zendaya’s unhappiness grew further, according to sources, after March 2023. That’s whenRolling Stonepublished an article detailing thetoxic environment behind the scenes ofThe Idol, with crew members referring to the series as “sexual torture porn.” The report mentions that although Zendaya was not involved withThe Idol,she got caught up in the backlashand was asked to distance herself from Levinson.
Months later, when the relationship reached a new low point, another meeting was called with HBO to helplead to a reconciliation between Zendaya and Levinson and discuss creative plans for the show, which generated more than 16 million viewers per episode during season 2. Those efforts were unsuccessful. The article went on to specify that Zendaya doesn’t want Ashley, Levinson’s wife, to be the only executive producer onseason 3, with sources saying that she’s not the only person involved with the series to feel this way.
What Is Going On With Euphoria Season 3? Delay & Cast Problems Explained
Euphoria fans have been anxiously awaiting season 3 for a long time, and it sounds like they will have to wait even longer after additional delays.
There is apushback against this narrative, with one unnamed source saying that Zendaya is more focused on her film careerafter high-profile roles in theDunefranchise andChallengers. “It was all about her. Everybody wanted to make it about Sam, but it was her,” the source said. Still, the section on the Zendaya and Levinson relationship concluded with the detail that they are focused on finding the right idea forEuphoriaseason 3, suggesting that their dynamic is beginning to thaw once again.
Sydney Sweeney, who plays Cassie, is eager to return, with a source close to the actor saying: “She feels very strongly about Sam and his work.” Jacob Elordi, who plays Nate, is likewise confirmed to return, although a source says “ambivalent” about coming back to the series.
Euphoria
Cast
Euphoria is a teen drama created by Sam Levinson and starring Zendaya, Maude Apatow, and Angus Cloud. The series deals with the dark reality of a drug-addicted teen on her road to recovery as she faces a multitude of challenges and issues.
