After a gap of more than four years, Euphoria is officially back. HBO released the first trailer for Season 3 on Wednesday, confirming that the new season will premiere on April 12.
The trailer signal towards a darker shift for the Emmy-winning series, with Zendaya’s character, Rue Bennett now in her early twenties and still struggling to break free from her addiction. This time, however, the consequences appear far more dangerous, as Rue is no longer just battling substance abuse but has deeply entangled herself in the drug trade itself.
In the opening moments of the trailer, Rue reflects on life after high school. “A few years after high school, I don’t know if life was exactly what I wished,” she says, hinting at the emotional distance between her expectations and the harsh reality. Scenes that follow suggest she has moved beyond being a user and is now involved in running drug deals.
The threat escalates when Laurie, the drug dealer played by Martha Kelly, resurfaces. Laurie bluntly reminds Rue of her debt, telling her, “You owe me money,” making it clear that there will be consequences if it is not repaid.
Rue’s situation worsens when she is pulled into a violent arrangement involving a new character portrayed by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, who appears to control an escort network. While Rue’s sponsor Ali, played by Coleman Domingo, urges her to turn to faith and accountability, the trailer leaves it uncertain whether Rue can escape the cycle that she has been trapped in for years.
Other characters walk their own dangerous paths
The trailer also offers glimpses into the lives of other central characters. Maddie, played by Alexa Demie, comments on the normalisation of sugar dating, insisting she refuses to be labelled despite the blurred lines. Jules, portrayed by Hunter Schafer, appears to be connected to the escort world, while Rosala makes her debut as a stripper at a club called the Silver Slipper.
Also Read | Golden Globes 2026: Full winners list as One Battle After Another, Adolescence dominate
Cassie, played by Sydney Sweeney, is now an OnlyFans creator, a choice that fuels tension with her fiancé Nate Jacobs, portrayed by Jacob Elordi. Nate was seen running a construction business, bristles at Cassie’s online presence, suggesting that his controlling tendencies remain unchanged. Lexi, played by Maude Apatow, appears to be one of the few characters finding a sense of balance.
Season 3 also marks the show’s first since the death of Angus Cloud, who played Fezco and passed away in July 2023. Eric Dane, Dominic Fike, Chloe Cherry and Nika King are among the returning cast members.
