Euphoria received a lot of hype for its first season's chaotic deep-dive into the lives of teenagers who reside in a fictional Los Angeles 'burb. The HBO series is full of graphic sex, drug use, and abusive scenarios. It also provides one of the most honest examinations of addiction to ever grace the small screen.
Zendaya is the centerpiece of the series as Rue, the drug-addicted 17-year-old narrator who is trying her best to stay clean. Rue's struggles serve as a jumping-off point for both the pain and pleasure experienced by everyone around her - from her parents to her high school friends to her lovers. Euphoria's second season is in the works, and there's no doubt it will be as controversial and boundary-pushing as its predecessor.
Filming Will Likely Occur This Year
While season two production was in limbo for quite some time, showrunner Sam Levinson recently announced a new filming schedule. Levison, currently promoting his new film Malcolm & Marie, told IndieWire the plan is to get the ball rolling in March.
March is only a few months away, which is good news for fans. Levinson claims the season could hit the airwaves before 2021 is over.
Showrunner Sam Levison Is Returning As Director And Writer
Writer and director Sam Levinson is still the creative heart and soul of Euphoria. He will continue to serve as head writer and director for season two.
Levinson directed six of season one's episodes. He also worked with Zendaya (Rue) and Hunter Schafer (Jules) on special one-hour specials that get intimate with each of their characters.
The Cast From Season One Is Returning
Zendadya took to Twitter to express her excitement about returning as Rue for the second season back in March 2020. Photos circulated of the original cast coming together for read-throughs and screen tests.
A few days before filming began, the entire production was shut down because of Covid-19. "We did camera tests and hair and makeup tests, and we got to see everybody and we had the sets were built," Zendaya shared in an interview with Variety.
Kelvin Harrison Jr. Will Be Added To The Cast
One notable addition to the cast is Kelvin Harrison Jr. The young actor, known for horror films like It Comes at Night and historical biopics like 12 Years a Slave, is on board for season two - but details about his role are scant.
Harrison Jr. received praise for his performance in the 2019 indie drama Waves. He also starred in Sam Levinson's feature film debut, Assassination Nation.
The Official Casting Call Reveals More New Characters
While other new characters haven't been officially revealed, the casting call issued last year for season two of Euphoria provides plenty of insight into what's to come. There's a call for a young female sex worker who, according to Digital Spy, "hates her boyfriend."
There's also a call for two new young male characters characterized as "sensitive" and "working class." Finally, there's a fourth call for a white woman in her 50s who "attended every Whitesnake concert" during her heyday.
The Tone Will Be Even Darker
In an interview with NME, Sydney Sweeney, who plays Cassie, opened up about what fans should expect from the new season. According to Sweeney, the tone will be even darker.
Sweeney also said characters will find themselves in even more intense situations than season one. It's hard to imagine how events could top season one in intensity, but no one knows how to up the ante like Euphoria's writer's room.
It Could Incorporate Current Events
Euphoria has a reputation for handling socially relevant themes in a very stylized, unfiltered way. Considering how much transpired in 2020, it's safe to assume some of the year's insane events will bleed over into the second season's narratives.
"Sam is very astute and interested in the world, and letting the show hold a mirror up to society," Colman Domingo, who plays Rue's sober mentor Ali, told Digital Spy about showrunner Sam Levinson. Domingo believes it's totally possible for Levinson to incorporate Covid-19 and Black Lives Matter demonstrations into the series.
Barbie Ferreira's Character Kat Might Come Out As Queer
Barbie Ferreira's character Kat does some serious soul-searching, and some serious sleeping around, in season one. Her portrayal of a sexually-empowered young woman trying to unlearn all the toxic ideas society instilled into her is breathtaking.
In an interview with Out magazine, Ferreira, who recently came out as queer, hinted at Kat being the same way. "I think Kat’s a little queer, but that might be my perspective," she said.
The Plot Twists Will Be Unexpected
"You won't even be able to guess what's coming. I couldn't even guess it," Sydney Sweeney shared in another interview with ET. These twists and turns showcase Euphoria's dedication to reveling in the insanity of youth.
With its tones, ambiance, color schemes, and pacing, Euphoria gives its viewers a dreamy, hazy taste of what being young is all about. There's no reason to believe all the melodramatic developments will return for season two.
Two Specials Are Available On HBO Max In The Meantime
All the production delays really upset fans who can't wait for season two. Fortunately, Levinson worked with Zendaya and Hunter Schafer on two specials that both recently debuted on HBO Max.
Rue's special, "Trouble Don't Last Always," sees her spending Christmas Eve at a diner with Ali in the wake of her relapse. Jules's special, "F*** Anyone Who's Not a Sea Blob," follows Jules to her first therapy session after running away on a train at the end of season one.