A reported tension between Zendaya and Euphoria Creator Sam Levinson has appeared just as the show’s long-awaited third season arrives, adding a new layer to the behind-the-scenes drama that has surrounded the HBO series.
According to sources who spoke with vanity fairThe once-close collaborators drifted apart during the long gap between seasons two and three, and Zendaya became less involved in the development of the new installment.
Notably, she does not have an executive producer credit on the third season, as she held that role for the first two seasons.
One source suggested the reasons were largely practical.
“Zendaya had an incredibly demanding filming schedule in 2025 and has several major projects coming out this year, so she couldn’t commit to working as an executive producer this season,” they said. vanity fairadding that she has still been vital to the development of the show and has approved stories.
The premiere itself seemed to offer a visual cue.
A video circulating on TikTok showed Zendaya seemingly dodging a request from Levinson to pose for a photo on the red carpet, running off with her team before the photo could be taken.
Levinson has publicly attributed the long delay between seasons to a combination of industry strikes, competitive cast schedules, and a desire to honor the memories of cast members Eric Dane and Angus Cloud.
Sources suggest the reality behind the scenes was more complicated.
Zendaya plays Rue Bennett on the series, which returns today for its third season.
Set five years after the events of the second season, the new installment finds the group of friends now navigating adulthood and wrestling with faith, redemption, and the nature of evil.
