Is Zendaya quitting Euphoria? Here's what we know about those swirling rumors

While fans continue to count down the days until Euphoria season 3, some rather alarming whispers have reached us concerning one of the show's beloved leads. So, is Zendaya quitting Euphoria? Here's what we know about these rumors...

After scooping an Emmy for her deeply moving portrayal of Rue on HBO Max's Euphoria, Zendaya has become a firm favorite on the show and it's fair to say, she's one of the biggest draws for viewers to tune in—which is no doubt why these latest murmurings that the Zendaya may be leaving Euphoria have whipped up quite an online frenzy.

For those who don't know, the show itself reached viral status, in part due to the incredible bejeweled Euphoria makeup looks and the cast which includes the likes of Angus Cloud, Sydney Sweeney and of course, Zendaya.

Zendaya plays Rue, who grappled with a drug addiction throughout seasons one and two. Despite her harrowing struggle though, the finale of the sophomore series saw Rue get clean and even reconcile with a number of her friends (including Lexi, played by Maude Apatow), hinting at a happier storyline for her to come in the next installment.

But did Zendaya quit Euphoria or will we see her return? Here's what we know about her future on the show and whether there's any weight to these circulating rumors...

So, is Zendaya quitting Euphoria?

While Barbie Ferreira (aka Kat) won't be reprising her role on Euphoria, having announced her exit in 2022—we have some good news for Zendaya fans.

As far as we can tell the actress has no plans to leave the show and will be returning for season 3. In fact, according to The Hollywood Reporter, the actress—who in unrelated news is dating Tom Holland—shared her hopes for her character in a Q&A screening of the episode, 'Stand Still Like the Hummingbird.'

Zendaya said: "I just hope for a little bit of joy and for her just to be able to breathe and love without the fear of losing,” adding, “I mean she’s gonna have to go through some things, yes, but you know, we’ll get there."

Before also sharing her wish for Rue to, "be able to be alive and maybe enjoy it." Zendaya also touched on how those who have related to Rue and reached out to her give her 'purpose'.

She said: "I am so grateful for those experiences when somebody comes up to me, and they speak about Rue and how they’ve connected to her or whatever part of their healing journey she has been able to be a part of. To me that is the greatest, greatest gift I can ever ask, it gives me euphoria and purpose in what I do.”

Why do fans think Zendaya is leaving Euphoria?

So far it seems the rumors are unfounded, though the uncertainty around Barbie's exit and reports that season three's filming is not being scheduled until February 2023, could be what sparked the fears—not to mention Zendaya's very busy schedule, what with the filming of Dune part two very much underway.

Zendaya has also previously revealed the emotional toll the role takes on her, sharing how her boyfriend Tom visited her and supported her on set during particularly difficult scenes—though as mentioned, she hopes for some happier times ahead of Rue in the next installment.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight Zendaya revealed that during season two, Tom must have visited the set at least 30 times, before saying: “I think it's great to have that support and love around you because you need that. This isn't an easy job, so it's good to have that to free you up from it every now and then.”

So for now, it seems fans can relax, as Zendaya is set to return as Rue!