The series has Euphoria‘s Sam Levinson on board as co-creator
The Weeknd‘s small-screen project The Idol is picking up speed as it gets a home network, director, and cast.
The ‘Starboy’ hitmaker co-created the series with Euphoria creator Sam Levinson and Reza Fahim. HBO has taken up the series, and will have Amy Seimetz (The Girlfriend Experience, She Dies Tomorrow) be the director for all six episodes and also be the executive producer.
Cast and story
The Weeknd comprises of newcomers as well as established actors. This includes Lily-Rose Depp (The King), Suzanna Son (Red Rocket), Melanie Liburd (This is Us), Tunde Adebimpe (Rachel Getting Married), Steve Zissis (Togetherness), Troye Sivan, Elizabeth Berkley Lauren (CSI: Miami), Nico Hiraga (Moxie) and Anne Heche (Spread). The Weeknd himself will have a role, having previously starred as himself in Adam Sandler’s Uncut Gems.
The story is centred on the music industry, and the relationship between a self-help guru and modern cult leader, and an up-and coming pop idol. Francesca Orsi, executive vice president of HBO Programming said that when Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd’s real name) brought this project, it was clear that this was something HBO had never done before. They will be exploring all the sad and ugly realities of the music industry with this show.
The series later brought in Joe Epstein (Health and Wellness) as a writer, showrunner, and executive producer. Levinson will be executive producing with Ashley Levinson and Kevin Turen under their company Little Lamb. Aaron L. Glibert will executive produce under Bron Studios, and Nick Hall and Sara E. White will executive produce under A24.
Release date
The project is still in development, with filming yet to begin. Hence, it’s too soon to know the release date. An update will be provided as soon as it’s announced.
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