Euphoria Season 3 Updates Are Very Worrying For Zendaya’s Rue

HBO’s Euphoria is already facing significant problems due to delays after 2023’s SAG-AFTRA strike, but now, the show’s main character, Zendaya’s Rue, may also be in trouble. Although Euphoria season 2 ended all the way back in February 2022, Euphoria season 3 still does not have a confirmed release date, with projections going as far as 2025. This extra-long hiatus not only hurts the show because it means audiences could forget about the previous season, but the actors’ ages and rising popularity also poses a problem. And if Zendaya’s character suffers, then the entire show could feel the effects.

Although Euphoria is an ensemble series, there are definitely some key players that help make the show its best. Jacob Elordi’s Nate, Hunter Schafer’s Jules, Sydney Sweeney’s Cassie, and Zendaya’s Rue are all characters that the show likely could not survive without. Therefore, the recent updates about Sam Levinson’s scrapped Rue ideas are incredibly concerning. A major new report about Euphoria season 3 noted that Zendaya, who is an executive producer on Euphoria, was not happy with where Levinson was taking Rue in the new scripts and provided significant feedback that changed the character’s direction completely.

Scrapped Ideas For Zendaya’s Role In Euphoria Season 3 Aren’t A Great Sign

Rue is the heart of Euphoria, so her story matters most

On top of Euphoria’s season 3 delays, a new report shows that the series’ main character may be in jeopardy. Originally posted by Variety, the report said that after seeing where Sam Levinson intended to take Rue, Zendaya offered serious input. Though the actress cannot veto scripts, she does play a significant role both in front of and behind the camera. Therefore, Levinson, already struggling with reconfiguring the series after Angus Cloud’s death, had to once again rewrite the third season. This lack of surety about Euphoria’s main character spells even more trouble for a season that might never happen.

Beyond the fact that Levinson is unsure of the right story for Rue, the stories he has pitched are definitely questionable.

These ideas alone are indicative of how unsure Levinson is of what to do with his lead character. Making Rue a background character is definitely a risk for Euphoria, which relies on Zendaya’s strong performances, and the private detective storyline simply doesn’t fit the more youthful ambiance of the series. Rue’s fate directly correlates to Euphoria’s.

Zendaya’s Idea For Rue In Euphoria Season 3 Is Better, But May Not Happen

Zendaya proposed a pregnancy storyline

Although Zendaya doesn’t have the creative control Sam Levinson has, she certainly had opinions about where Rue’s story should go. Apparently, Zendaya suggested that after the Euphoria season 3 time jump, Rue would be a sober twentysomething who finds herself acting as a pregnancy surrogate. Though this storyline is also somewhat out of pocket, it makes a bit more sense than Levinson’s private detective storyline, at least in terms of character development. After making selfish decisions as an addict, Rue would volunteer to have a child for someone, forcing herself to stay sober and do something kind for someone else.

Unfortunately though, this idea is likely not going to happen either. Where Sam Levinson’s private detective idea was immediately shot down by HBO, Zendaya’s was also eventually passed on. Though they seemingly liked the concept when she initially pitched it, they ultimately found that it didn’t fit with the tone of Euphoria. It seems that in general, it is going to be a difficult task to find a new story that fits Euphoria’s previous tone, but takes place five years later. Without the high school setting, Euphoria may not be able to rely on the ambiance it used to have.

Getting Rue’s Story Right Is Crucial For Euphoria Season 3

If Rue’s story suffers, Euphoria will suffer

Ultimately, Euphoria’s fate depends on the success of Rue’s story. Rue is not only the main character of Euphoria; she is the core of the show. It is not only Zendaya’s outstanding performances that boost Euphoria’s popularity, it is the relatable and importance of Rue’s story. In the end, if Rue cannot be translated into a third season, then the show may be doomed. Furthermore, if Sam Levinson is struggling to find the right fit for his main character’s story, then it seems hard to believe that he will easily write plots for his other characters.

At this time, Euphoria is facing quite a dark road. Fans should not only expect a long wait for the third season, but also an installment that may be quite different from previous seasons. But regardless, there is still hope that HBO, Sam Levinson, and Zendaya can turn it around. Hopefully, in a year’s time, Euphoria will be in a better place.