Rumors of tension between Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney have resurfaced after a new Euphoria promotional video omitted Sweeney from a key cast photo call.
The HBO series’ official social media account released a reel showcasing backstage moments, season three snapshots, and a group photo of lead actors Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Maude Apatow, and Alexa Demie. The stars posed together in full glam behind a white backdrop, appearing close and playful for the cameras.
Sweeney’s noticeable absence from the image has sparked widespread speculation among fans, hinting at ongoing issues between her and Zendaya, who reportedly married long-time partner Tom Holland in a private ceremony.
Background on the Rumors
Speculation about a feud intensified in late 2025, linked to the actors’ differing political views. Reports indicated Zendaya avoided joint promotional appearances with Sweeney, though neither has addressed the claims publicly.
Earlier that year, Sweeney’s American Eagle campaign drew praise from President Trump, whom Zendaya has publicly criticized. Records confirm Sweeney as a registered Republican. Trump commented to a reporter: “If Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, I think her ad is fantastic.”
He also posted on Truth Social: “Sydney Sweeney, a registered Republican, has the HOTTEST ad out there. Go get ’em Sydney!”
The ad faced backlash, earning Sweeney the nickname “MAGA Barbie.”
Sweeney’s Response to Political Scrutiny
In a Cosmopolitan interview, Sweeney addressed the controversy: “It’s definitely not a comfortable thing to have people saying what you believe or think, especially when that doesn’t align with you. It’s been a weird thing having to navigate and digest, because it’s not me. None of it is me. And I’m having to watch it happen. I’m online and I see things, but I’m slowly pulling myself away. It’s definitely gone to a level where it’s just not healthy for me to digest it all.”
She told People in December: “I’ve never been here to talk about politics. I’ve always been here to make art. This is just not a conversation I want to be at the forefront of. 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. It’s not why I became who I am. I became an actor because I like to tell stories, but I don’t believe in hate in any form. I believe we should all love each other and have respect and understanding for one another.”
Previous reports suggested the co-stars shifted from friends to minimal interaction during the Euphoria press tour. They have not appeared together publicly since 2022.
Fan Reactions to the Promo
Captioned “Taking the smallest moments and dreaming them up into something bigger. #Euphoria,” the video prompted divided responses. Some fans questioned: “Notice how the girls are NOT with Sydney?” and “Why exclude Sydney from the shoot?” Others claimed: “The rumors are true.”
Defenders pushed back against the speculation, noting: “Women out here again pitting two amazing women against each other for no reason.” One asked: “What’s with the hate towards Sydney?”
Neither Zendaya nor Sweeney has commented on the feud rumors.
Euphoria Season 3 Details
Set five years after the East Highland High events, season three follows Rue, Jules, Maddy, Cassie, Lexi, Nate, and others in adulthood. Teasers reveal Rue evading drug dealer Laurie in Mexico, Cassie building an online career while engaged to Nate, and Lexi assisting showrunner Sharon Stone.
Maddy works at a Hollywood talent agency. New cast includes Rosalía, Natasha Lyonne, Danielle Deadwyler, Eli Roth, Marshawn Lynch, and Trisha Paytas.
The season premieres on HBO and Max on April 12, 2026.
