So far, HBO’s new series ‘The Idol’ has been more known for the controversy swirling around it than the provocative content of the show itself.
Created by ‘Euphoria’s Sam Levinson, Reza Fahim and musician Abel “The Weekend” Tesfaye, ‘The Idol’ hit the headlines back in March when Rolling Stone published a behind-the-scenes report of creative changes, chaos and sexually challenging scenes.
Levinson, of course, is no stranger to all that with ‘Euphoria’, but the news is threatening to swamp the show, even as it prepares to launch out of competition at the Cannes Film Festival next month.
(L to R) Lily-Rose Depp and Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye on HBO’s ‘The Idol.’ Photograph by Eddy Chen/HBO.
Part of that news included the departure of original director Amy Seimetz, who left in April 2022, leading Levinson to step in and start guiding the direction of the show.
Here’s what HBO said at the time to Variety,
“‘The Idol’s’ creative team continues to build, refine, and evolve their vision for the show and they have aligned on a new creative direction. The production will be adjusting its cast and crew accordingly to best serve this new approach to the series. We look forward to sharing more information soon.”
(L to R) Lily-Rose Depp and Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye on HBO’s ‘The Idol.’ Photograph by Eddy Chen/HBO.
What’s the plot of ‘The Idol’?
The series stars Lily-Rose Depp as Jocelyn, a fame-hungry young woman looking to take over the entertainment industry. When she meets Tedros, a powerful, sex-obsessed cult leader portrayed by Tesfaye, Jocelyn’s career expands to new heights.
Jocelyn and her team are inspired by the 1990s exploits of Britney Spears and co. but under the guidance –– control? –– of Tedros (who runs nightclubs but exerts a powerful influence over those who enter his orbit), that skyrockets in a whole other direction.
Lily-Rose Depp on HBO’s ‘The Idol.’ Photograph by Eddy Chen/HBO.
What was the reported behind-the-scenes drama on the show?
According to the Rolling Stone article, which included research interviews with several cast and members, the show began to change from the Seimetz-era story of a fallen pop starlet looking to reclaim her agency to a degrading love story with a hollow message.
Here’s what one crewmember said,
“What I signed up for was a dark satire of fame and the fame model in the 21st century. The things that we subject our talent and stars to, the forces that put people in the spotlight and how that can be manipulated in the post-Trump world. It went from satire to the thing it was satirizing.”
But several sources disputed those reports, with a statement from the company describing it as ,
“One of the most exciting and provocative original programs. The creative team has been committed to creating a safe, collaborative, and mutually respectful working environment, and last year, the team made creative changes they felt were in the best interest of both the production and the cast and crew.”
The truth, as often, appears to lie somewhere in between. We’ll see if the narrative shifts once the show lands on the Max streaming service on Sunday June 4th.
Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye on HBO’s ‘The Idol.’ Photograph by Eddy Chen/HBO.
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