When The Idol was first announced, Amy Seimetz (The Girlfriend Experience) had signed on to direct and executive produce. However, half-way through the filming of the project, Seimetz exited the HBO drama due to creative differences with Abel Tesfaye a.k.a The Weeknd and Euphoria creator Sam Levinson, who took over directing duties. This led the project to go into a whole new different direction for the story, which resulted in reshoots.
In a recent interview with W Magazine, the Grammy winner has finally addressed the controversy surrounding the extensive reshoots that The Idol had gone through a year ago. Despite receiving criticisms about the series’ rumored sexual content, Tesfaye expressed his confidence due to the commitment poured into the creative process.
“Film and TV is a new creative muscle for me. I don’t release my music until I think it is great. Why would this be any different?,” Tesfaye explained. “My secret skill is that I don’t panic. When everyone around me is worried, I get very still. But I did panic when I lost my voice. I had to rest and reflect and think about The Weeknd and Tedros and all that had happened with the show. I realized that I need to know that I’ve made the best version of whatever I’m making.”
He continued, “It was a challenge to redo The Idol, and, in truth, I sacrificed my health and home to make it work. So, let’s say it comes out and it’s fucking horrible. I still know I did my absolute best.” Tesfaye paused. “From what I’ve seen, the show is great. Everything is a risk: When you’ve done the best you can, I would call that a happy ending.”
Who’s Involved in The Idol?
The Idol is co-created by Levinson, The Weeknd, and Reza Fahim. This marks The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp’s TV acting debuts and first major scripted drama series. Joining them are Golden Globe nominee Troye Sivan, Hari Nef, Debby Ryan, Steve Zissis, Rachel Sennott and K-Pop global superstar Jennie Kim of Blackpink. Additional cast includes Anne Heche, Melanie Liburd, Tunde Adebimpe, Elizabeth Berkley Lauren, Nico Hiraga, and more.
“After a nervous breakdown derailed Jocelyn’s last tour, she’s determined to claim her rightful status as the greatest and sexiest pop star in America,” reads the official logline. “Her passions are reignited by Tedros, a nightclub impresario with a sordid past. Will her romantic awakening take her to glorious new heights or the deepest and darkest depths of her soul?”
The Idol is written and executive produced by Levinson, Tesfaye, Fahim, and Joe Epstein. Kevin Turen, Ashley Levinson, Nick Hall, Sara E. White, and Aaron Gilbert are executive producing. It is an A24 production.
The series is scheduled to premiere on June 4.
