Will Rue, Maddy or more die in Euphoria season 3? 6 theories after wildest episodes yet

Euphoria’s third (and possibly final) season is nearing its end.

For the past six weeks, the popular HBO drama has shifted from typical teenage problems and high school drama to the harsh realities of adult life, mixed with some surprising desert adventures. Everything suggests the show is building towards a dramatic and intense finale.

The film continues this trend with its latest installment, focusing heavily on a story about the challenges of growing up and finding meaning in a harsh world – almost like a tale of sacrifice and resilience.

Over the next two weeks, we’ll find out how Levinson concludes the series Euphoria, and fans online have come up with countless theories about whether the main character will live or die in the finale. Many believe the character likely won’t survive.

Here are our top six predictions for how the show Euphoria will conclude. Be warned: it likely won’t be a cheerful resolution.

Who will die in Euphoria season 3?

Based on how the last episode of Euphoria, ‘Stand Still and See,’ ended, here are six of the most likely characters who might die in season 3.

Theory 1: Rue Bennett

The latest episode of Euphoria really highlighted that this season is fundamentally about Rue Bennett’s journey towards making amends. While it’s clear she needs to redeem herself, how that will actually happen remains to be seen.

The latest episode of Euphoria, “Stand Still and See,” definitely leans into religious themes. Perhaps the show’s final season is ultimately about Zendaya’s character, Rue, repeatedly facing hardship and feeling defeated, yet finding the strength to keep going and persevere.

This week’s episode of Euphoria showed Rue sitting in a church, quietly wishing for a second chance. She received a phone call from her mother (Nika King, delivering a particularly moving performance), and desperately asked for her forgiveness.

Rue, more than any other character on Euphoria, deserves a chance at healing. She’s distanced herself from nearly everyone who cared about her, believing it was the best way to protect both them and herself.

Although Rue’s growing connection with faith and her attempt to make amends might not be enough to fix things, it still reflects the important ideas that the show’s creator, Levinson, often explores.

And then there’s the mysterious fire – Rue might have seen it as a hopeful sign from God, but it could also mean something dramatic and powerful is about to happen, something straight out of the Old Testament.

Regardless of how Rue ultimately dies – whether it’s due to her struggles with addiction, a confrontation with someone like Nate or Laurie, or even a tragic accident – her death could serve a greater purpose. It’s possible she’ll become a redemptive figure for the other characters in Euphoria, finding meaning through sacrifice. This would allow Zendaya to showcase her incredible emotional range, delivering a powerful and heartbreaking performance. Such a complex and difficult ending would likely earn her another Emmy and give Rue the impactful conclusion her story deserves.

A fascinating theory on Reddit, proposed by user JealousHovercraft768, suggests that killing Rue might be too predictable. Instead, what if Rue actually survives the show, and the voiceover we’ve been hearing throughout the series is her testimony in court? It would be a bold move for the show’s creator, Sam Levinson – but he’s consistently demonstrated a willingness to take risks.

Theory 2: Nate Jacobs (obviously)

It’s heartbreaking to see what’s happening to Nate Jacobs. Many viewers believe he’s likely to die in the show’s finale, considering all the injuries he’s sustained recently. He’s already lost several limbs, so it wouldn’t be surprising if his fate is sealed.

Nate’s character arc is one of the most compelling parts of Euphoria, especially considering how different it’s become from where the show initially seemed to be heading. In the first season, it looked like the series was setting him up to confront his struggles with his sexuality, and that his secret relationship with Jules – which began online through a hook-up app – would lead to a breakthrough.

Things are definitely not looking good for Nate. He owes Naz so much money that his problems are spiraling out of control – it’s almost unbelievable how much worse they can get. It makes you wonder how much more he can possibly lose.

It looks like Nate is in trouble, and unless something unexpected happens in the next two episodes – like a surprising divorce from Cassie and a rekindled connection with Jules, a relationship that’s always been particularly complex and interesting but never fully developed on the show – he’s likely facing serious consequences.

Reddit user uwill1der suggests that Nate’s death would be a pivotal moment for Cassie’s storyline, as it would force her to confront her deepest fear of being left alone.

Theory 3: Cassie Howard (or is it Jacobs?)

As for Cassie… what’s happening to her isn’t about a literal end, but rather the destruction of her self-image and drive. Despite the show constantly trying to humiliate her, Sydney Sweeney manages to portray Cassie as still clinging to her illusions. Whether it’s through her new career on OnlyFans, her failing marriage to Nate, or her dreams of becoming a movie star, she’s relentlessly pursuing success, even if it’s not working.

While Cassie’s new role on ‘LA Nights’ seems like a dream come true, she’s consistently shown, starting in season two, that she’ll readily harm those she cares about to achieve her goals.

Nate might be different, but Cassie has really damaged her relationships over the past three seasons. Her relentless pursuit of fame, regardless of who gets hurt, probably won’t lead to the success she’s hoping for.

Maddy in Euphoria is known for holding grudges, so it’s no surprise she hasn’t forgiven her former best friend for stealing her boyfriend. A Reddit user, Tonydorigo11, suggests that Maddy’s new business venture could cause problems for Cass. If Cass’s acting career fails and she still owes money to Naz through Nate’s inheritance, she could be in serious trouble.

Theory 4: Alamo Brown and/or Laurie

Unlike many stories, Euphoria doesn’t really have a single ‘villain.’ Instead of fighting an enemy, the characters in the first two seasons mostly struggle with their own personal issues like addiction, fear, and worry.

Alamo and Laurie are using Rue as a pawn in their conflict, and her constant switching between them as an undercover agent is likely to be discovered soon, with serious consequences.

Ideally, from a narrative standpoint, the most satisfying conclusion for Euphoria would be for both Alamo and Laurie to be removed – perhaps simultaneously by the police – allowing Rue to finally achieve freedom.

However, would that be a little too convenient? Alamo and Laurie represent Rue’s past mistakes and the choices she regrets. Her story highlights moments she wishes she could change – like taking the suitcase or staying with Alamo.

This week’s episode of Euphoria gave us a powerful and emotional look into the past of the new character, Alamo (played brilliantly by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje). This deep dive into his history feels like a setup for a major role in the final two episodes. The question now is: will Alamo be the one to eliminate Laurie, or will Laurie take him down first?

Theory 5: Maddy Perez

Just kidding. My girl is way too committed to serving to ever let this happen.

Theory 6: Actually, no one dies

Isn’t it ironic that all the discussion about Euphoria often centers on how relentlessly the show subjects its characters to trauma and hardship? It’s almost become a defining characteristic of the series.

Season 3 continued this trend, with major characters like Rue and Nate facing incredibly difficult situations in the last two episodes. It got to the point where a tragic outcome didn’t just feel possible, it seemed inevitable.

If the third season of Euphoria focuses on forgiveness and second chances, shouldn’t even the show’s most flawed characters have the opportunity for redemption?

As a huge fan, I’m so excited to share that new episodes of Euphoria season 3 are dropping weekly on HBO Max, Sky Atlantic, and NOW. If you need a refresher, or are just discovering the show, you can binge seasons one and two right now on HBO Max and NOW too!

Authors

George Griffiths

2026-05-18 20:06