Sydney Sweeney holds a melting ice cream cone, Jacob Elordi prepares raw meat, Hunter Schafer poses in front of a painting, Zendaya sits in pews—these are just some of the intriguing new images HBO released Friday morning from Euphoria Season 3.
The six distinct photos offer our first real look at the main characters of Sam Levinson’s high school drama, which takes a significant leap forward in time. Euphoria Season 3 premieres on HBO and HBO Max in April 2026, and the new season will explore drastically different territory than previous installments.
A Five-Year Leap Into Early Adulthood
Over the past few months, HBO has strategically released imagery and information about Euphoria Season 3. In October, the network unveiled the new installment’s sprawling cast, and in early December, series creator Sam Levinson shared insights with British press about where the characters land after the time jump.
“Five years felt like a natural place because if they’d gone to college they’d be out of college at that time,” Levinson explained. The time jump allows the show to explore the characters as young adults navigating the real world beyond high school’s confines.
Where We Find the Characters
Levinson revealed specific details about where each main character ends up in Season 3:
Rue (Zendaya): “We basically pick up Rue south of the border in Mexico, in debt to Laurie [Martha Kelly], trying to come up with some very innovative ways to pay it off.”
Jules (Hunter Schafer): Attending art school, feeling anxious about pursuing a career as a painter while avoiding responsibility at every turn.
Maddy (Alexa Demie): Working in Hollywood at a talent agency for a manager, with her own side hustles in motion.
Lexi (Maude Apatow): Serving as an assistant to a showrunner played by Sharon Stone, whom Levinson describes as “absolutely delightful and a true icon.”
Cassie and Nate (Sydney Sweeney and Jacob Elordi): Living in the suburbs and engaged, with Cassie addicted to social media and envious of her former classmates’ seemingly glamorous lives.
A Wedding Confirmation
Perhaps the most shocking revelation came when Levinson confirmed what many suspected from the first-look images. “I will say that Cassie and Nate do in fact get married. I’m confirming it. And I promise that it will be an unforgettable night.”
The creator’s confidence is palpable. “I feel strongly this is our best season yet,” Levinson stated, setting high expectations for the upcoming episodes.
What the Photos Reveal
The newly released images paint a fascinating picture of where these characters have landed. The shots suggest both progress and stagnation—some characters appear to be thriving in their new environments, while others seem trapped in cycles that began during their teenage years.
The setting changes are particularly striking. Gone are the high school hallways and teenage house parties. Instead, we see domestic suburban settings, art studios, professional workplaces, and international locations that reflect the characters’ expanded worlds.
First Footage in 2026 Sizzle Reel
HBO also released the first footage of Euphoria in a 2026 sizzle reel on Friday, which included glimpses of other highly anticipated projects like Lanterns, House of the Dragon, Larry David’s new series, and more. While brief, the footage confirms that the show’s signature visual style remains intact while adapting to its characters’ matured circumstances.
With nearly two years since Season 2 concluded in February 2022, fans have been eagerly awaiting this return to the world of Euphoria. The five-year time jump represents a bold creative decision that could either reinvigorate the series or alienate viewers attached to its high school setting. Either way, April 2026 can’t come soon enough for devoted fans.
Euphoria Season 3 is officially set to release in April 2026 on HBO Max.
