HBO has officially given a series order to Euphoria creator Sam Levinson’s newest drama titled The Idol, with Grammy winner Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye and Lily-Rose Depp attached for the leading roles. On top of starring, Tesfaye will also be serving as a co-creator, writer and executive producer.
“When the multi-talented Abel ‘The Weeknd’ Tesfaye, Reza Fahim, and Sam Levinson brought us The Idol, it was clear their subversive, revelatory take on the cult of the music industry was unlike anything HBO had ever done before,” Executive Vice President of HBO Programming, Francesca Orsi said in a statement. “Shortly after, the brilliant duo of Joe Epstein and Amy Seimetz joined forces with the rest of the team, and this dream became a reality.”
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In addition, Variety brings word that Golden Globe nominee Troye Sivan (Boy Erased), Suzanna Son (Red Rocket), and Steve Zissis (Togetherness) have been cast as series regulars. Meanwhile, Emmy nominee Anne Heche (Gracie’s Choice), Melanie Liburd (Power Book II: Ghost), Tunde Adebimpe (Spider-Man: Homecoming), Elizabeth Berkley Lauren (Saved by the Bell), and Nico Hiraga (Booksmart) have joined the series for recurring roles.
The Idol is co-created by Levinson (Euphoria), Tesfaye (Uncut Gems), and Reza Fahim. This marks The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp’s acting TV debut and first major scripted drama series project. The 6-episode drama will be filmed in and around Los Angeles.
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“Set against the backdrop of the music industry, the series centers on a self-help guru and leader of a modern-day cult, who develops a complicated relationship with an up-and-coming pop idol,” reads the official logline.
The Idol will be written and executive produced by Levinson, Tesfaye, Fahim, and Joe Epstein. Amy Seimetz, Kevin Turen, Ashley Levinson, Nick Hall, Sara E. White, and Aaron Gilbert are executive producing, with Seimetz also set as the director. It is a production by A24.
