Filming for Euphoria season three has been put on hold.

The Sam Levinson drama was expected to start production soon on its long-awaited new season. But that plan has changed to give Levinson more time to work on the dark teen dramas scripts.

In addition, the shows cast which includes Dune: Part Two star Zendaya and Anyone but You star Sydney Sweeney is being allowed to purpose other opportunities.

HBO and Sam Levinson remain committed to making an exceptional third season, HBO said in a statement. In the interim, we are allowing our in-demand cast to pursue other opportunities. That said, the cast has not been released from their contracts, and HBO still intends to get Euphoria season three on the air sometime in 2025.

In an interview with Elle for Zendayas September 2023 cover story, Levinson had teased the new season as a film noir, saying Zendayas character Rue will explore what it means to be an individual with principles in a corrupt world.

The acclaimed Euphoria is one of HBOs top-rated series. Euphorialast aired in February 2022 and suffered the death of star Angus Cloud, who died July 2023 at age 25. The show was renewed for a third season halfway through season two airing.

Levinson was writing thethird seasonbefore the May 2, 2023, writers strike,a source had toldTHRat the time of Clouds death as the actor had a central storyline in the season twofinale. With the season halted amid the work stoppage, it was unclear what the creator had planned.

Last year, Levinson also spent some time launching his short-lived provocative music industry drama The Idol.

Atan event last week, Sweeney was asked about rumors that the hit HBO show might not be coming back. She stalled by taking a sip from her water, before telling the moderator, Honestly, [talking aboutEuphoriais] like, as scary as talking about Marvel. I said one thing, and it went everywhere. When asked if she had seen any scripts for season three, she replied, Maybe. I dont know. She was referring to another interview earlier this month, when Sweeney hinted she expected to start start filming Euphoria soon, telling MTV, I go into Euphoria next.

Sweeneys comments came shortly after her co-star Nika King, who plays Zendayas onscreen mother, went viral over a stand-up clip when talking about the long gap between seasons two and three. Season three is coming out I dont fucking know. Dont ask me, I dont know. We need season three! Bitch,Ineed season three! I havent paid my rent in six months, she said at a Hollywood Improv performance earlier this year.

She later clarified ina statement toThe Hollywood Reporter that she wasnt being fully serious: My reference aboutEuphoriaduring my stand-up tour was a lighthearted joke. Most people have seen me portray serious characters onscreen but my roots are in comedy. I actually have a few film projects releasing this year that Im excited about. Its a blessing to craft a career in both drama and comedy, she said.

In November 2023, HBO chief Casey Bloys had revealed thatEuphoriawas among the HBO series to have been pushed to 2025 due to the dual Hollywood strikes.