FromEuphoria’s Sam Levinson and singer-songwriter The Weeknd comes HBO’s upcoming music industry drama,The Idol. Announced back in July last year, the soon-to-be-released series got itsfirst official teaserrecently, giving viewers a glimpse of what to expect from “the sleaziest love story of all time.” And that is treachery and debauchery packaged in A24’s distinctly cool aesthetic.
Following in the footsteps of other uncensored HBO shows,The Idolpromises sex, drugs, more sex, and an impressive ensemble cast, headed by Lily-Rose Depp and The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) himself. So far, we know the former plays a pop star named Jocelyn (the titular idol?) whilst the latter plays her beau Tedros, an enigmatic LA club owner and modern-day cult leader. Besides that (and abucketload of controversy), here’s what else to expect from the “sick and twisted minds” of Levinson and Tesfaye.
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The Plot
The teaser forThe Idolbegins as it means to go on, with scenes of semi-nudity, erotic dancing, and drug use. “Lick it, spank it, drop it, camera, money,” a choreographer chants over the thumping pop music, “Uh-uh-uh, more, more, more, orgy!” she demands, as the music quiets and Tedros asks Jocelyn, “Why don’t you just be yourself?”
“Because there’s nothing about me that’s relatable,” she replies (inadvertently voicingcriticism ofEuphoriacharacters). More dancing, touching, and indulging follow before Tedros asks the pop star, “Do you trust me?” and she smirks, telling him, “Not really.”
A second teaser shows much of the same, except it introduces more cast members, including Dan Levy, Jennie Ruby Jane, andRachel Sennott. It appears that Jennie of Blackpink, in particular, will have a significant role in the series as Jocelyn’s best friend, though nothing has been confirmed about her character just yet. We’re also waiting on a release date forThe Idol, as the teaser ends with the tantalizing words, “Coming soon.”
The Cast
The Idolmarks Tesfaye’s first major acting role and Depp’s first television role. Tesfaye, professionally known as The Weeknd, is best known as the versatile singer-songwriter behind hits such as “Starboy” and “Blinding Lights,” though he isn’t entirely new to acting. In 2019, he starred in the A24 crime dramaUncut Gems, directed by Josh and Benny Safdie and starring Adam Sandler. Playing a fictionalized version of himself, the singer-turned-actor had a small but memorable role in the film, which involved a fight scene with protagonist Howard Ratner (Sandler).
Lily-Rose Depp, daughter of French singer and actress Vanessa Paradis and Hollywood icon Johnny Depp, has considerably more acting experience, thoughThe Idolcould very well be her breakthrough hit. Depp began her acting career with a small role in theA24 horror comedyTuskand has since starred inYoga Hosers(a spin-off of the previous film),The King, and more. Playing a pop star inThe Idol, Depp previously lent her voice toYoga Hosers, singing covers of songs with co-star Harley Quinn Smith. Like her mother, she can carry a tune.
Other names in thepacked castofThe Idolinclude musical artists Troye Sivan, Moses Sumney, and Jennie Ruby Jane. More actors confirmed include:
The Crew
The Weeknd co-createdThe Idolwith Sam Levinson and his own longtime creative producer, Reza Fahim. The six-part series was originally set to be directed by Amy Seimetz, but following the project’s change in creative direction, Seimetz left to be replaced by Levinson. Sam Levinson is best known as thecontroversial creatorof HBO’s teen dramaEuphoria, though he also directed the moviesAnother Happy Day,Assassination Nation, and, more recently,Malcolm & Marie.The Idolis produced by A24, a studio the director is familiar with, having served as executive producer on the A24 moviesXandPearl, both directed by Ti West.
The Weeknd, Levinson, and Fahim are credited as co-writers of the series. Joe Epstein and Mary Laws are also included as writers, the latter of whom co-wrote the screenplay for the thematically similarThe Neon Demon, directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and starring Elle Fanning. The Weeknd may be new to television, but as a songwriter,he’s used to telling stories through his music. Many of his songs recount personal experiences, and, incidentally, he loves to sing about sex, drugs, and alcohol: the three things viewers can expect a lot of inThe Idol.
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