HBO has finally given fans a tantalizing glimpse into the long-awaited third season of Euphoria, and all eyes are on Jacob Elordi as the complex Nate Jacobs. Newly released images show the 28-year-old Australian star in a strikingly domestic setting—standing in a brightly lit kitchen, handling raw meat while dressed in a casual polo shirt, hinting at a matured, suburban version of the character who dominated the show’s earlier seasons with his intense presence. Set for an April 2026 premiere on HBO and Max, this marks Elordi’s second major HBO project following his breakout in the series that launched him to global fame, and speculation is rife about whether he can match or surpass the critical acclaim he recently earned for his transformative role in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein.

The photos, dropped alongside a teaser in HBO’s 2026 slate reel, capture a five-year time jump that propels the East Highland crew into adulthood. Elordi’s Nate appears grounded in everyday life, a far cry from the volatile high school athlete viewers remember. Paired with shots of Sydney Sweeney’s Cassie holding a melting ice cream cone in the same colorful kitchen, the visuals tease a storyline where Nate and Cassie are engaged, navigating suburban domesticity—complete with an “unforgettable” wedding teased by creator Sam Levinson. For Elordi, who has described Nate as a character he loves exploring for the insight it provides into different experiences, this evolution promises deeper layers, with hints from interviews that Nate might emerge “nicer” this time around, exploring themes of growth, hubris, and redemption.

Elordi’s journey with Euphoria began in 2019 when he landed the role of Nate Jacobs, a troubled teen grappling with identity, family pressures, and complicated relationships. The series, created by Levinson and produced by A24, became a cultural phenomenon, blending raw storytelling with stylistic flair and earning multiple Emmys, including acting wins for Zendaya. Elordi’s portrayal of Nate—charismatic yet deeply flawed—earned him widespread recognition, propelling him from Netflix’s The Kissing Booth trilogy to A-list status. Now, returning for Season 3 after production wrapped earlier this year, this is his second HBO endeavor, solidifying his partnership with the network that first showcased his dramatic range.

The anticipation surrounding Elordi’s performance is heightened by his recent triumph in Frankenstein, del Toro’s visually stunning adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic, released on Netflix in November 2025 after a limited theatrical run. Stepping into the role of the Creature—originally slated for Andrew Garfield before scheduling shifts—Elordi underwent hours of prosthetics and makeup daily to embody the tragic figure. Critics hailed it as his best work yet, with reviews praising his ability to convey profound vulnerability and humanity beneath the monstrous exterior. “Elordi’s standout performance” became a common refrain, earning him Golden Globe nominations and cementing his versatility. The film, co-starring Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, explored themes of creation, isolation, and empathy—echoes that fans see paralleling Nate’s arc.

Can Elordi replicate or exceed that Frankenstein success in Euphoria Season 3? Early signs suggest yes. In interviews, he’s called the new season “incredibly clever and cinematic,” expressing excitement about consuming it as a viewer due to the secretive scripting process where actors only received their own scenes. He described filming as “liberating,” a departure from the high school constraints, allowing for bolder exploration. Levinson has teased this as potentially the “best season yet,” with adult storylines delving into debt, careers, and lingering traumas. For Nate, the suburban setup with Cassie—envy-fueled social media addiction on her end, possible taming on his—sets up rich dramatic potential.

Elordi’s career trajectory adds to the intrigue. Born in Brisbane in 1997, he moved to Los Angeles young, hustling auditions while couch-surfing. Euphoria was a turning point, but post-Season 2, he’s diversified spectacularly: channeling Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla (2023), captivating in Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn (earning a BAFTA nod), and delivering acclaimed turns in projects like The Narrow Road to the Deep North miniseries. His physical transformation for Frankenstein—towering at 6’5″, layered under prosthetics yet emotionally raw—showcased range that bodes well for an older, perhaps reformed Nate.

Fans are dissecting the first-look images relentlessly. Elordi’s Nate, shaping patties in that vintage kitchen, symbolizes a shift from chaos to attempted normalcy. “He’s grown up, but is he changed?” one viral tweet asks, amassing thousands of likes. The domestic vibe contrasts sharply with past volatility, raising questions about authenticity versus facade. Paired with Cassie’s melting cone—symbolizing instability—Elordi’s expression hints at underlying tension, promising the nuanced performance he’s known for.

Behind the scenes, Elordi’s dedication shines. For Frankenstein, he embraced the grueling process, drawing inspiration from classics while making it his own. Del Toro praised his commitment, noting how Elordi connected deeply with the Creature’s loneliness—a theme resonant with Nate’s internal struggles. This experience likely informs his Euphoria return, bringing maturity to a role he once approached with fresh intensity.

The broader Season 3 ensemble returns strong: Zendaya’s Rue fleeing debts in Mexico, Hunter Schafer’s Jules in art school, Alexa Demie’s Maddy at a talent agency, Maude Apatow’s Lexi assisting a showrunner (Sharon Stone). New additions like Rosalía and Marshawn Lynch add fresh energy. Hans Zimmer joining Labrinth on the score elevates the sonic landscape.

Elordi’s HBO loyalty—Euphoria as his flagship, now deepened—positions him as a network staple. Post-Frankenstein acclaim, expectations are sky-high. If he channels that film’s emotional depth into Nate’s evolution—from arrogance to potential humility—he could deliver a career-defining arc.

As April 2026 approaches, the buzz intensifies. Elordi’s Nate has always been polarizing—loved for complexity, debated for actions. This season, with adult stakes and wedding bells, offers redemption or revelation. Given his Frankenstein triumph, betting on excellence feels safe.

Fans agree: Elordi’s poised to shine brighter than ever. Euphoria Season 3 isn’t just a return—it’s a evolution, with Jacob at its stormy center.