‘Euphoria Season 3: Zendaya Reportedly Grew ‘Frustrated’ With Sam Levinson’s Work on ‘The Idol’ Causing Rift
A new 'Hollywood Reporter' exposé reveals that Zendaya and Levinson butted heads over the progress of the third season of 'Euphoria.'
It's starting to feel like we may never get the third season of HBO's hit show Euphoria, and thanks to a deeply reported feature from The Hollywood Reporter, we have a clearer understanding as to why.
Per the report, Zendaya butted heads with the show's creator, Sam Levinson, specifically with regards to his commitment to HBO's polarizing show The Idol.
Levinson was reportedly working on Euphoria season two while developing The Idol, and deprioritized the show's third season. Zendaya was allegedly so frustrated with the delay that she requested a meeting with HBO's Chairman and CEO Casey Bloys and EVP and head of drama Francesca Orsi, to understand why Levinson was allowed to redirect his attention to another series.
Zendaya was also said to be disappointment with Rolling Stone's report of atoxic work enviornment on the set of The Idol, as well as the show's "sexual torture porn" conceit.
Zendaya reportedly wanted distance from the project, which she originally didn't want Levinson to pursue. "Her image is pristine," a source told THR. "And fans were turning against Sam."
Zendaya, Levinson, Bloys and Orsi began to conduct multiple meetings about creative differences but to no avail. "They went from being so close, and they couldn’t fix it," said a source.
Friction also developed between Zendaya and Levinson's wife Ashley after she became the executive producer of the show's third season. Per the report, Ashley has been described as “more sharp-elbowed than conciliatory," on set, and Zendaya was allegedly unhappy with how much power she had.
But despite the reporting that Levinson was to blame for the season three delay, one source pointed to Zendaya's burgeoning film career, which includes roles in the Dune and Spider-Man franchises. "It was all about her,” the source said. "Everybody wanted to make it about Sam, but it was her."
Despite all of the alleged behind-the-scenes drama, HBO has confirmed that the third season of Euphoria officially begins filming in January of next year.
Filming for 'Euphoria' Season 3 to Begin in January With Zendaya, Main Cast Returning
Zendaya Talks Moving Away From High School Roles, Says It’s ‘Refreshing’: ‘I Hope People Buy Me as My Own Age’
HBO Denies Rumor 'Euphoria' Is Canceled Amid Delay, Allowing ‘In-Demand Cast to Pursue Other Opportunities’