Euphoria Cast Photo Sparks Renewed Zendaya-Sydney Sweeney Feud Speculation
Rumors of a bitter feud between Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney have flared up again following the release of a promotional clip for HBO's hit series Euphoria. The video, shared on the show's social media accounts, showcased backstage moments and snapshots from the upcoming third season, but notably excluded Sweeney from a key cast photo call.
Cast Photo Fuels Fan Frenzy
The grainy reel featured lead stars Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Maude Apatow, and Alexa Demie posing together in full glam behind a white backdrop. The actors appeared to be enjoying each other's company, laughing and cozying up for the cameras. However, Sweeney's absence from the group shot immediately caught fans' attention, sparking widespread speculation about ongoing tensions between her and Zendaya.
Many viewers took to social media to dissect the potential drama, with comments ranging from "Notice how the girls are NOT with Sydney?" to "The rumours are true." Others defended both actresses, criticizing what they saw as unnecessary pitting of women against each other.
Political Differences at the Heart of Rumors
The feud rumors first gained traction in late 2025, reportedly stemming from the actresses' opposing political views. Sweeney, a registered Republican, faced controversy earlier that year when her American Eagle advertisement received positive attention from former President Donald Trump—a figure Zendaya has publicly opposed.
Trump praised Sweeney's ad on his Truth Social platform, writing: "Sydney Sweeney, a registered Republican, has the HOTTEST ad out there. Go get 'em Sydney!" This endorsement led to Sweeney being labeled a "MAGA Barbie" by some critics.
Sweeney's Response to Political Speculation
In interviews with Cosmopolitan and People magazine, Sweeney addressed the political assumptions surrounding her. "It's definitely not a comfortable thing to have people saying what you believe or think, especially when that doesn't align with you," she told Cosmopolitan. "None of it is me."
She emphasized her focus on artistry rather than politics, stating: "I'm not a political person. I'm in the arts. I'm not here to speak on politics. That's not an area I've ever even imagined getting into." Sweeney added that she believes in "love each other and have respect and understanding for one another."
Promotional Tensions and Season Three Details
Reports suggested that Zendaya was refusing to appear alongside Sweeney for Euphoria promotional events, though neither actress has commented directly on these claims. The supposed tension reportedly affected the show's press tour, with some sources claiming the co-stars had gone from friends to barely speaking.
Meanwhile, Euphoria season three is set to premiere on April 12, 2026, on HBO and Max. The new season jumps five years forward, following characters Rue, Jules, Maddy, Cassie, Lexi, Nate, and others after their high school years. Teaser clips hint at Rue hiding in Mexico from her drug dealer Laurie, Cassie's online career while engaged to Nate, and Lexi working as an assistant to a showrunner played by Sharon Stone.
The season will also introduce several new famous faces, including:
- Rosalía (Spanish musician and former partner of Hunter Schafer)
- Natasha Lyonne
- Danielle Deadwyler
- Eli Roth
- Marshawn Lynch
- Trisha Paytas
Neither Zendaya nor Sweeney has publicly addressed the latest round of feud speculation, leaving fans to continue reading between the lines of every promotional release.
