Storm Reid, a young and talented actress, has officially confirmed that she will not be part of the third season of HBO’s acclaimed teenage drama, Euphoria. In the first two seasons, Reid played Gia Bennett, Rue’s (Zendaya) younger sister.
Scheduling conflicts and her academic commitments at the University of Southern California (USC) prevented her from reprising the role. Speaking to TMZ (via Deadline), Reid explained her reasons for not returning while expressing her deep appreciation for the show and its impact on her life.
Reid spoke warmly about her time on the series:
“I’m not (in the third season of Euphoria), but I’m so excited to watch it, I can’t wait. (…) Being with the whole crew and cast has been an amazing experience, and I’m forever indebted to the show. I’ll miss them. I’ll miss hanging out with them, but it will be a good reason, and I can’t wait to watch. (…) Schedules can’t align sometimes.”
Storm Reid’s portrayal of Gia in the first two seasons made her an integral part of the show’s narrative. As Rue struggled with addiction and personal challenges, Gia often bore the emotional weight of witnessing her sister’s downward spiral.
Over time, Gia’s storyline expanded to show her carving out her path and finding inner resilience, away from Rue’s struggles. Fans resonated with her authenticity and strength, which added depth to Euphoria’s rich storytelling.
Reid has been busy building a promising career outside of Euphoria. In recent years, she showcased her versatility as an actress with roles in different genres.
She appeared in The Nun II as Sister Debra, where she shows the realm of supernatural horror. She also had a brief yet significant role in The Suicide Squad as the daughter of Bloodsport (Idris Elba), further broadening her acting portfolio.
The Anticipated Third Season of Euphoria
Since its debut, Euphoria, created by Sam Levinson, has gained a devoted fanbase for its raw and emotional depiction of teenagers facing complex issues. The series touches on themes of substance abuse, self-esteem, mental health, toxic relationships, and identity.
Key characters like Rue (Zendaya), Jules Vaughn (Hunter Schafer), Nate Jacobs (Jacob Elordi), and Maddy Perez (Alexa Demie) have attracted viewers with their layered performances and compelling arcs.
Fans have been eagerly awaiting the third season of Euphoria, but production has faced numerous delays. Originally planned to begin much earlier, the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes significantly impacted the show.
These disruptions paused the creative process, pushing back filming schedules. Additionally, the tragic death of Angus Cloud, who portrayed Fezco, brought further emotional challenges to the cast and crew.
While HBO has yet to announce an official release date for the new episodes, the team remains committed to delivering a season that meets fans’ expectations. Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and the rest of the main cast have also been busy with various projects in recent years, adding to the delays.
For now, fans can revisit the first two seasons of Euphoria on Max while they wait for updates on the third season. Storm Reid’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, but her excitement for the show and her gratitude for the experience leave a lasting impression on audiences. Stay tuned for more news as the series prepares to return to East Highland High School.
