After weeks of making the partridge giddy about whether or not it was a miniseries, whether there would be five or six episodes, or if there would even be a second season, HBO finally decided to cancel ‘The Idol’. Undoubtedly the most controversial series of this year so far, it will remain in a single season.
A cancellation that doesn’t come as a surprise given the reception of the series at the time. first by a critic who destroyed it on its Cannes debut. Secondly, also from the public, which did not fully introduce the provocative proposal of Abel Tesfaye, aka The Weeknd, and Sam Levinson (‘Euphoria’).
Lily Rose Depp and Tesfaye tell “The Idol,” the story of a pop megastar who, while preparing to return to the scene, falls into the hands of some sort of guru as he leaves the scene and builds such a hot relationship that it is toxic.
The novel was fundamentally rewritten and re-recorded after the departure of its director. Amy Seimetz due to, as reported at the time, creative differences with Tesfaye, the “visionary” co-creator and lead actor. This is where Sam Levinson steps in as director (he was more of an executive producer) for an intense overhaul of the series.
In addition to Depp and Tesfaye, “The Idol” also featured Troye Sivan, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Dan Levy, Eli Roth, Hari Nef, Jane Adams, Jennie Ruby Jane, Mike Dean, Moses Sumney, Rachel Sennott, Ramsey, Suzanna Son, and Hank Azaria. Reza Fahim, Tesfaye’s regular partner, is a co-creator.
