The music behind Euphoria is going through a major shift just days before its return. Composer Labrinth, who shaped the show’s haunting sound from day one, has now officially stepped away from Season 3—and his latest statement makes it clear this wasn’t a quiet exit.
The new season, arriving April 12 on HBO and a few days later in India, will now feature only Hans Zimmer handling the score. And while the change was confirmed earlier, Labrinth’s version of events adds a lot more tension to the story.
What really pushed Labrinth out
After wiping several earlier posts, Labrinth returned online with a more direct explanation—and it wasn’t subtle. He hinted at being treated poorly during his time on the show and made it clear that respect mattered more to him than staying attached to a major project.
He didn’t name individuals, but his words pointed at deeper issues within the system. According to him, the industry often talks about honesty while operating very differently behind the scenes. That frustration seems to have built up over time.
Labrinth also revealed he asked for his music to be removed from the upcoming season. Despite everything, he suggested there’s no open conflict with HBO itself—but his personal line had been crossed. In simple terms, he chose to walk away rather than stay in a situation he felt wasn’t right.
From defining the sound to stepping back
This isn’t a small exit. Labrinth wasn’t just another contributor—he was the sonic identity of Euphoria. His work helped shape the emotional core of the show, even earning him an Emmy along the way.
His collaboration with Zendaya, especially in key musical moments, became one of the show’s standout elements. That signature mix of raw emotion and experimental sound is now missing going into Season 3.
Interestingly, Labrinth seems ready to move forward quickly. He’s set to perform at Coachella right around the show’s premiere window—a reminder that his focus is shifting back to his own music journey.
Why Hans Zimmer is stepping in
On the creative side, showrunner Sam Levinson has addressed the transition, at least partially. He admitted he isn’t fully aware of what led to Labrinth’s exit but acknowledged his massive contribution to the show’s identity.
Bringing in Hans Zimmer isn’t just a replacement—it signals a tonal shift. Levinson described Season 3 as something more cinematic, with each character arc treated almost like its own film. Instead of relying on modern track drops, the idea now is to lean into a more classic, “old Hollywood” style score.
That’s a big pivot from what audiences are used to.
A new era for Euphoria
Season 3 itself is already taking risks beyond the music. The story jumps forward by five years, pulling characters out of high school and into a more adult, uncertain phase of life. With that narrative shift comes a new sound—and possibly a very different emotional texture.
Still, the big question remains: can Euphoria feel the same without the music that helped define it?
For now, all eyes are on how Zimmer reshapes the show—and whether fans embrace this new direction or keep looking back at what Labrinth built.
