Euphoriastar Sydney Sweeney opened up about how the ongoing delays for the gritty teen drama’s third season have influenced the trajectory of her career. Known for portraying Cassie Howard, a high schooler with an emotionally turbulent life and complicated love story with certified bad-boy Nate (Jacob Elordi), Sweeney has earned acclaim for her portrayal of the distinct character, receiving a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actress in 2022.Euphoriaseason 3is now set tobegin filming in January 2025.

In an interview withVanity Fair,Sweeney discussed her evolving career choices and how she coped with the uncertainty ofEuphoria’s return. The three-year production hiatus meant Sweeney had to adjust her schedule and pass on several projects, butit also motivated her to begin producing. Speaking about her connection to Cassie and the impact of waiting for the fierce drama series to return, Sweeney revealed the following:

Sydney-Sweeney-as-Sister-Cecilia-from-Immaculate-(2024)-&-Sydney-Sweeney-as-Juliet-from-Nocturne-&-Sydney-Sweeney-as-Ashley-from-Tell-Me-Your-Name-(2018)

I have to go to work and become my character. Especially with Euphoria—Cassie is such a deep, meaningful character for me. I think that, through her, I’ll be able to also grieve [Angus Cloud] in a way as well. Cassie is the longest character I’ve ever had in my life. I feel like she’ll always have such a special place in my heart, so I know that I’ll be able to just jump right in…

There were definitely a few projects that I had to pass on because I was supposed to be going back to Euphoria. But because I am producing now, I was able to say, “You know what? I don’t think this is happening. I’m going to put some of my own projects on the slate.“That’s how Anyone but You happened. Euphoria was supposed to start filming, and I had another film that I was supposed to do, but we couldn’t get cleared and after a few weeks, I realized, “This is not happening.” So I put in full gear to make Anyone but You.

Sydney Sweeney as Cassie in the bathroom looking sad in Euphoria season 2

What Sydney Sweeney’s Career Pivot Means

A Strategic Move Amid Euphoria Delays

The delay inEuphoria’s filming has sparked several internet rumors, including hearsay of a potential cancelation of the award-winning series and the belief that the incredibly packed schedules some of the major leads—mainly Zendaya, Elordi, and Sweeney— further delayed filming. Nonetheless, both Zendaya and Sweeney have come out to say this isn’t true. “I have been off for a couple years,”Zendaya confirmed withVanity Fair.“I’ve been open, just waiting.”

Zendaya’s latest film to date,Challengers, wrapped up filming in June 2022.

Euphoria Poster

After passing on some projects,Sweeney utilized the significant gap to make a major career pivot. As Cassie Howard, she portrayed one of teen drama’s most nuanced and tumultuous characters, an iconic role that she appreciated as an opportunity to explore areas of emotional depth and intensity. The wait forEuphoriaseason 3 to begin, however, gave her time to focus on producing, ultimatelyleading her to attend to some projects of her own.

Every Sydney Sweeney Horror Movie, Ranked (Including Immaculate)

Sydney Sweeney is quickly becoming a star in Hollywood for a range of performances, but one genre that she has appeared in frequently is horror.

Sweeney’s latest produced projects were thesleeper hit rom-comAnyone but You(2023)andthe horror movieImmaculate(2024). These movies, both box-office successes, mark an important milestone for her, maintaining her status as a leading actor while proving she’s bankable in front of and behind the camera.Euphoria’s eventual delay pushed Sweeney to consider her own projects and roles she could fully control, allowing her to creatively expand her influence.

Our Take On Sydney Sweeney Returning To Euphoria

The Anticipation Grows For Sweeney’s Performance After Her Industry Breakthrough

Sweeney’s—and Zendaya’s—comments put to rest any rumors that the renowned actors are to blame for the delay in production. AsEuphoriaseason 3 gears up for its long-awaited return, Sweeney’s dual role as an actor and producer reveals her dedication to both her character Cassie and her wider career goals within the industry. With the new season hinting at a fresh, edgy narrative,Sweeney’s return toEuphoriais poised to be a powerful comeback for both the actress and her character, as she navigates the remainder of Cassie’s story and the emotional weight of Angus Cloud’s passing.

Euphoria

Cast

Euphoria is a teen drama created by Sam Levinson and starring Zendaya, Maude Apatow, and Angus Cloud. The series deals with the dark reality of a drug-addicted teen on her road to recovery as she faces a multitude of challenges and issues.