Zendaya’s season 3 returns: ‘Euphoria’ Instagram post sparks confusion

Fans of ‘Euphoria’ were left confused after the show’s official Instagram account shared a post that appeared to leave out Zendaya and several key cast members from the returning lineup for Season 3.

The post, shared on October 17, 2025, listed a mix of returning and new actors, but the absence of Zendaya’s name quickly set social media abuzz.

The Instagram post that started the confusion

The now-viral post named Melvin Bonez Estes, Paula Marshall, Daeg Faerch, Zak Steiner, Dominic Fike, Alanna Ubach, Nika King, and Sophia Rose Wilson as returning cast members. It also introduced new additions such as Natasha Lyonne, Trisha Paytas, Danielle Deadwyler, and Eli Roth.Almost immediately, fans noticed that Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Hunter Schafer were missing from the list. Since Zendaya plays Rue Bennett, the emotional center of ‘Euphoria,’ her omission led to a flood of speculation online.See the post here:

Pop Crave reposted the post on X (formerly Twitter), where users reacted with disbelief. “NO ZENDAYA??? Oh girrrrl, hang it up lmao,” one user commented.Another fan echoed the sentiment, writing, "Isn't this the Zendaya show...?"

The confusion was widespread, as Zendaya's character, Rue, is the anchor of the entire series.

HBO confirms Zendaya and the main cast will return

Despite the temporary panic, HBO had already confirmed months earlier that Zendaya and the rest of the main cast would be returning. In February, the network announced that Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, Hunter Schafer, Eric Dane, Jacob Elordi, Maude Apatow, Alexa Demie, Martha Kelly, Chloe Cherry, and Colman Domingo would all reprise their roles in ‘Euphoria Season 3.’Both Variety and The Hollywood Reporter confirmed these details, even noting that Zendaya had been seen filming scenes in March 2025. The show will also feature exciting guest stars such as Sharon Stone, Rosalía, Kadeem Hardison, and Marshawn Lynch, adding new layers to the upcoming storyline.

Who is not returning for Season 3?

While the main cast is secure, there is one confirmed departure. Original cast member Barbie Ferreira, who played Kat Hernandez, confirmed on 'The Viall Files' podcast earlier this year that she would not be appearing in the third season.

What to expect from ‘Euphoria Season 3’

Set to premiere in spring 2026 on HBO and stream on Max, the new season will explore more mature themes as Rue continues her journey toward recovery. With Zendaya leading the emotional arc and new guest stars joining, fans can expect the same mix of heartbreak, beauty, and chaos that made ‘Euphoria’ one of TV’s most talked-about shows.