In a surprising turn of events, fans of the popular television series Euphoria may have to wait even longer for Season 3 to hit their screens. The delay, announced by HBO, means that it will likely be three and a half years since Season 2 premiered when the highly anticipated next season finally arrives - if it arrives at all.

While HBO maintains that Season 3 is still happening, a new report from Variety reveals some unexpected challenges the production is facing. One proposed idea for the upcoming season is a multi-year time jump, taking the characters out of high school and into their twenties. This creative decision stems from the fact that the actors portraying these "kids" are now in their mid to late twenties in real life.

Reportedly, Zendaya, who portrays the lead character Rue, had significant input in shaping the direction of the show. However, after the tragic death of Angus Cloud, who played a prominent role in the initial concept for Season 3, the entire storyline had to be overhauled. Some of the proposed ideas included making Rue a background character working as a private detective, similar to Veronica Mars. HBO rejected this idea, and when Zendaya suggested that Rue could undergo a journey to sobriety and become a pregnancy surrogate, it was also dismissed.

With script delays from Sam Levinson, the show's creator, there was even a suggestion to continue without him. However, the biggest stars of the series, including Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, and Sydney Sweeney, made it clear that they would not proceed without Levinson. Nevertheless, a separate report from The Daily Beast, citing an anonymous actor from the show, suggests that Season 3 may never come to fruition.

The news of the delay has now freed all the actors from their contracts, allowing them to pursue other projects while Euphoria remains in limbo. Considering the significantly lower pay they receive for their roles in Euphoria compared to their more high-profile movies, it is understandable that the cast members may not feel the same level of necessity for the show anymore, despite it being their launching pad.

Despite the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the production, there appears to be no ill-will towards Levinson from the cast. They remain supportive of him, despite the delays and previous reports about alleged toxicity on set. However, if these delays persist and if the proposed ideas for a third season remain questionable, it may be time for the cast and crew to consider moving on.

Euphoria has had a successful run, captivating audiences with its compelling storyline and exceptional performances. Nonetheless, with the passage of time and the questionable direction for Season 3, fans may have to come to terms with the possibility that their beloved show may not be returning after this extended wait for just six episodes.

In the end, only time will tell if Euphoria Season 3 can overcome these hurdles and deliver the captivating storytelling fans have come to expect.