After an agonising four-year wait, HBO has finally released the first full trailer for the highly anticipated third season of Euphoria. The preview, which introduces a significant five-year time jump, has sent the show's fervent fanbase into a frenzy, though not all reactions have been positive.
Cassie's Controversial Career Move
The most divisive revelation centres on the character of Cassie Howard, played by Sydney Sweeney. The new storyline shows Cassie working as a successful OnlyFans model, despite being engaged to her high school sweetheart, Nate Jacobs (Jacob Elordi). The tension this creates is highlighted in a scene where Nate complains, "I work all day, and my bride-to-be is spreadeagled on the internet."
This plot development has ignited a firestorm of criticism from a segment of the audience. Many long-time viewers have taken to social media to express their disappointment, accusing the show of perpetuating the "oversexualization" of its female characters.
"The Euphoria trailer is actually so s**t. Nate becomes a businessman and every woman is either involved in drugs or prostitution," wrote one disgruntled fan. Another added, "I feel like this show is only about Zendaya doing drugs and Sydney being naked. That's about it tbh." A third comment called for Sweeney to "free herself from purposeful objectification."
Mixed Reactions and New Story Arcs
Despite the vocal backlash, other fans saw the narrative choice as a shrewd and modern commentary. "LOL, Euphoria about to have a new male audience out of nowhere," one user joked, while another quipped about a hypothetical ratings spike.
The trailer also teases other major storylines for the new season, which is set to premiere on April 12. Rue Bennett (Zendaya) is on the run from drug dealers in Mexico, while Maddy Perez (Alexa Demie) is navigating a frustrating career in Hollywood, where she notes every other girl she meets "is a sugar baby."
Show creator Sam Levinson explained the creative decision behind the time jump to Variety, stating, "Five years felt like a natural place because if they’d gone to college they’d be out of college at that time." He elaborated that the season picks up with Rue in Mexico, deeply in debt, and Cassie living a suburban life with Nate, but "very addicted to social media" and envious of her peers.
Star-Studded New Additions
The new season will also introduce a host of new faces. Spanish pop icon Rosalía will appear in a racy role as a pole-dancing stripper. They are joined by newcomers including Natasha Lyonne, Danielle Deadwyler, Eli Roth, Marshawn Lynch, and Trisha Paytas.
Levinson also confirmed the return of original stars Maude Apatow and Hunter Schafer, and teased a "huge guest role" from screen legend Sharon Stone, who will play a showrunner that Lexi (Apatow) assists. He promised fans will see Nate and Cassie's lavish wedding, and boldly claimed season three would be "our best season yet."
As the debate rages online, one thing is certain: Euphoria has lost none of its power to provoke and captivate audiences as it prepares for its long-awaited return.
