Internet personality Trisha Paytas, known for her candid online presence and unpredictable career moves, has confirmed that she will join the cast of HBO's acclaimed drama Euphoria for its upcoming third season. The news, which set social media abuzz, was officially revealed by Paytas herself during the October 9, 2025 episode of her podcast Just Trish, in conversation with fellow YouTuber Oscar Gracey. For fans of both Paytas and the show, her casting marks a surprising new chapter in a series already famous for its bold storytelling and unconventional casting choices.
"Maybe now that you’re on Euphoria, you’ll get on Overcompensating," Gracey joked on the podcast, prompting Paytas to quip, "They couldn't afford me." She went on to reflect on the confidence boost she received from booking the role, sharing, "I really thought I was unstoppable ‘cause I was doing so many calls after [Euphoria]. Maybe one day I can show my Euphoria self tape. I don’t know if I can. I got to find out the logistics maybe once it airs or something like that. But yeah, I think I really nailed it."
Paytas’s confirmation comes after months of speculation fueled by set leaks and her own social media activity. Earlier this year, photos circulated online showing Paytas filming scenes with Zendaya, who plays the show’s troubled protagonist Rue Bennett. Fans also noticed that Paytas began following Euphoria’s lead makeup artist on Instagram, further stoking rumors of her involvement. According to Out Magazine, this wasn’t Paytas’s first attempt at joining the show—she previously submitted a self-tape in 2021 for a role as a "plus-sized influencer," but never heard back at that time.
Her journey to Euphoria’s set reflects the unpredictable nature of both her career and the entertainment industry itself. Once known for her over-the-top antics and viral moments, Paytas has, in recent years, taken on motherhood and explored more mainstream projects. In 2024, she made a memorable appearance on Saturday Night Live in a sketch with Bowen Yang, and she’s expressed interest in joining Alan Cumming’s hit reality show The Traitors.
Paytas is not the only new face joining Euphoria for its much-anticipated third season. The upcoming episodes will also feature singer Rosalía, Anna Van Patten, former NFL star Marshawn Lynch, and veteran actor Kadeem Hardison. In a surprise move reported by Deadline, Hollywood legend Sharon Stone has also been cast in an undisclosed role. These additions promise to shake up the already dynamic ensemble, which includes returning stars Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, Maude Apatow, Hunter Schafer, Alexa Demie, Jacob Elordi, Eric Dane, and Nika King.
Since its 2019 debut, Euphoria has garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase for its gritty, visually arresting portrayal of teenage life, addiction, love, and identity. The second season, which aired from January to March 2022, left fans clamoring for more. Season three, whose production was delayed by industry-wide factors and the show’s ambitious creative direction, is now expected to premiere in spring 2026, according to the show’s official Instagram account and multiple entertainment outlets.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the upcoming season is the promise of a time jump. While details remain tightly guarded, several cast and crew members have confirmed that the narrative will leap forward, allowing viewers to see how Rue and her classmates have changed since the events of the last season. This narrative device opens the door for new characters like Paytas’s to enter the story in fresh and unexpected ways.
The online reaction to Paytas’s casting has been a mix of shock, humor, and curiosity. PinkNews chronicled the social media frenzy, with fans riffing on Paytas’s internet persona and her tendency to make headlines at unexpected moments. Some joked about the show’s penchant for dramatic character arcs, while others simply expressed disbelief that a YouTube star would transition to a major role on one of HBO’s flagship dramas. One viral post quipped, “Trisha Paytas actually got casted in Euphoria…,” capturing the sense of surprise shared by many viewers.
Despite the speculation, Paytas has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of her role. She hinted on her podcast that she might share her audition self-tape after the season airs, but for now, fans are left to wonder how she’ll fit into the show’s famously intense world. HBO, for its part, has not issued an official comment on her casting, maintaining the air of mystery that often surrounds Euphoria’s production.
Paytas’s journey to Euphoria is emblematic of the changing landscape of celebrity and entertainment. Once dismissed as an internet oddity, she’s steadily built a career that bridges digital fame and traditional media. Her willingness to embrace new challenges—and her ability to keep audiences guessing—has kept her relevant in an industry that’s always chasing the next big thing.
For Euphoria itself, the addition of Paytas and other high-profile newcomers signals a willingness to evolve and experiment. As the show prepares to leap forward in time, both literally and figuratively, it remains at the forefront of conversations about youth culture, representation, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. Whether Paytas’s role is a brief cameo or a central figure in the new narrative, her presence is sure to generate conversation—and perhaps even controversy—when season three finally hits screens in 2026.
As fans count down the months until the premiere, one thing is clear: Euphoria continues to surprise, both in front of and behind the camera. And with Trisha Paytas now officially part of the ensemble, the show’s next chapter promises to be as unpredictable as ever.
