Why These 6 Euphoria Cast Members Won’t Be Back in euphoria season 3

As HBO prepares to move forward with euphoria season 3, several familiar faces from the critically acclaimed series will not be returning. These exits are the result of real-world events, creative decisions, and natural story progression. Here is a detailed, factual breakdown of the six cast members confirmed to be absent — and why their departures make sense within the evolving narrative.

II. Cast Members Not Returning — Who & Why

1. Angus Cloud (Fezco) — Due to Tragic Death

Angus Cloud portrayed Fezco, one of the most beloved characters in Euphoria. His grounded performance as the soft-spoken drug dealer won widespread praise from critics and audiences alike.

Tragically, Angus Cloud passed away in July 2023 at the age of 25. His death was confirmed by his family, who released a public statement acknowledging his struggles with mental health following the loss of his father earlier that year.

Cloud’s passing deeply impacted the cast, creators, and fans of the series. Tributes poured in from co-stars including Zendaya and HBO itself, which honoured his contribution to the show. As a result, Fezco will not appear in euphoria season 3, and the creators are expected to handle his absence with sensitivity and respect rather than recasting the role.

This is the only departure rooted in unavoidable real-world tragedy rather than creative choice.

2. Barbie Ferreira (Kat Hernandez) — Chose to Leave the Series

Barbie Ferreira, who played Kat Hernandez, officially exited the series after Season 2. She announced her departure through social media in 2022, clarifying that the decision was mutual and respectful.

Ferreira expressed gratitude for the opportunity and described Kat as a character who resonated with many young viewers. However, she also suggested that Kat’s storyline had reached a natural conclusion and that continuing the role might not serve the character or the actor’s growth.

While there were online rumours of behind-the-scenes conflict, none were ever confirmed by HBO or the show’s creator. What remains clear is that Kat Hernandez’s arc — from self-discovery to emotional closure — had largely wrapped up by the end of Season 2.

With euphoria season 3 reportedly taking a new narrative direction, Ferreira’s absence aligns with the show’s evolving focus.

3. Storm Reid (Gia Bennett) — Exits Due to Story and Production Decisions

Storm Reid played Gia Bennett, the younger sister of Rue. In a 2024 interview, Reid confirmed that she would not return for euphoria season 3.

According to the actor, the decision was tied to creative and narrative changes rather than personal choice. Season 3 is expected to include a time jump that moves the story beyond the characters’ high school years. As Gia’s role was closely tied to Rue’s family life during adolescence, the character no longer fits organically into the new timeline.

Reid spoke positively about her experience on the show and praised the cast and crew, making it clear that her exit was amicable and story-driven.

4. Austin Abrams (Ethan) — Linked to Kat’s Departure

Austin Abrams portrayed Ethan Daley, Kat Hernandez’s romantic interest. Ethan’s storyline was heavily intertwined with Kat’s emotional journey, particularly in Season 2.

Following Barbie Ferreira’s exit, Ethan’s character no longer had a narrative anchor within the show. Recent casting updates and production announcements for euphoria season 3 do not include Abrams, effectively confirming his non-return.

Rather than forcing a standalone arc for Ethan, the writers appear to have chosen narrative consistency by allowing the character to exit naturally alongside Kat.

5. Algee Smith (Chris McKay) — Story Arc Ends

Algee Smith played Chris McKay, Cassie Howard’s ex-boyfriend. McKay’s storyline focused on identity, pressure, and masculinity, particularly within the context of college life and athletics.

By the end of Season 2, McKay’s arc had largely concluded. Cassie’s storyline moved in a different direction, and McKay was no longer central to the show’s core conflicts.

HBO updates and cast listings for euphoria season 3 have confirmed that Smith will not be returning. His exit reflects a narrative decision rather than scheduling or personal factors.

6. Nika King (Leslie Bennett) — Peripheral Role Omitted

Nika King portrayed Leslie Bennett, the mother of Rue and Gia. Her character played a significant role in grounding Rue’s struggles within a family context, particularly during Seasons 1 and 2.

With Gia written out and the story shifting focus due to the time jump, Leslie’s presence becomes less central to the main plotlines. While HBO has not issued a detailed statement, King’s absence from confirmed cast lists strongly suggests she will not return for euphoria season 3.

This omission aligns with the show’s move away from family-centred narratives toward adult independence and long-term consequences.

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III. Common Reasons Behind These Departures

Several overarching factors explain why these six cast members will not return:

Natural Story Progression:
The upcoming season is expected to take place years after the events of Season 2. As the characters move into adulthood, some roles naturally fall away.

Creative Direction:
Show creator Sam Levinson is known for reshaping narratives dramatically between seasons. Characters whose arcs are complete are often written out rather than extended unnecessarily.

Actor Choices and Career Paths:
Some performers chose to leave after fulfilling their creative journey on the show.

Real-World Circumstances:
The death of Angus Cloud is a heartbreaking but unavoidable reason behind Fezco’s absence.

IV. Impact on the Show

The absence of these six characters will significantly reshape the emotional and narrative landscape of euphoria season 3.

Fezco’s absence, in particular, will leave an emotional void for both characters and viewers. Meanwhile, the removal of Kat, Ethan, Gia, and Leslie shifts the focus away from adolescent relationships and family dynamics.

However, the return of core cast members such as Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, Hunter Schafer, Jacob Elordi, and Alexa Demie ensures continuity. Their characters are expected to anchor the show as it explores adulthood, consequences, and long-term identity.

This leaner cast may allow for deeper storytelling and a more focused narrative approach.

V. Conclusion

As euphoria season 3 moves into production, the confirmed exits of six cast members mark a clear turning point for the HBO series.

From the tragic loss of Angus Cloud to carefully considered creative decisions involving Barbie Ferreira, Storm Reid, and others, each departure reflects a logical and factual reason rather than speculation or controversy.

While change is always challenging for long-time viewers, it also presents an opportunity for the show to evolve. Whether these shifts strengthen or weaken Euphoria will only be clear once the new season premieres — but one thing is certain: Season 3 will be a very different chapter in the show’s journey.