The Idol, helmed by Sam Levinson, has become a subject of controversy and speculation. While the show has garnered significant attention, there have been criticisms aimed at its inclusion of explicit content, reminiscent of Levinson’s previous works. With a current Rotten Tomatoes rating of 26%, the series has received a lukewarm reception from audiences and critics alike. Recently, rumors began circulating that The Idol had been abruptly canceled after only two episodes. However, HBO’s public relations team took to Twitter to dismiss these claims, clarifying that the show has not been axed and will continue to air on the network.
The Idol revolves around the journey of Jocelyn, a promising young pop idol portrayed by Lily-Rose Depp. Jocelyn undergoes a severe emotional breakdown following the untimely demise of her mother, resulting in the cancellation of her last tour. Determined to reclaim her status as the sexiest pop star in America, she finds herself entangled in a complex relationship with Tedros, played by Abel Tesfaye, also known as The Weeknd. Tedros is a controversial figure, who also happens to be the head of a contemporary cult and a prominent figure in the nightclub scene.
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The Challenging Production Journey of The Idol
HBO
The production journey of The Idol has not been without its fair share of challenges. Initially announced in 2021, the series faced numerous obstacles that resulted in significant delays before its release. The departure of the original director, Amy Seimetz, necessitated a change in creative direction and led to Levinson taking the reins. In collaboration with Abel Tesfaye, Levinson made the decision to revamp the series, even discarding substantial portions of the already completed content. Rolling Stone Magazine’s review labeled the series as “Twisted Torture Porn,” shedding light on the tumultuous off-screen issues that plagued the production. Reports surfaced of excessive reshoots, last-minute rewrites, and the departure of the original director contributing to a hostile work environment.
During an interview at the esteemed Cannes Film Festival, Lily-Rose Depp shed light on the influences that shaped her portrayal of Jocelyn. Rather than drawing inspiration solely from contemporary pop stars, Depp looked to iconic actresses for guidance. She mentioned the magnetic presence of Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct and found inspiration in the allure of classic Hollywood stars like Gene Tierney and Lauren Bacall.
“Of course, there are so many incredible pop stars of today that I have nothing but admiration and respect for — and of course, you can’t help but thinking of when you think of a character like Jocelyn — but we’re definitely not telling anybody else’s story or trying to base her on any real person,” she said. “We actually drew from a lot of other influences that are not pop stars. We thought a lot about Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct and the Gene Tierneys and Lauren Bacalls… all of these women that were very inspiring to me for the role.”
Alongside Lily-Rose Depp and Abel Tesfaye, the series features Suzanna Son, Troye Sivan, Moses Sumney, Jane Adams, Dan Levy, Jennie Ruby Jane, Eli Roth, Rachel Sennott, Hari Nef, Hank Azaria, Melanie Liburd, Tunde Adebimpe, Elizabeth Berkley, Nico Hiraga, and Daytime Emmy Award winner Anne Heche. The Idol made its debut on HBO on June 4th.
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