The Weeknd and Euphoria creator Sam Levinson have collaborated on a remixed music-industry drama for HBO.
The Idol is set to premiere in November 2021 and revolves around a self-help guru and the head of a modern-day cult who becomes embroiled in a tangled relationship with an emerging pop star. The series is set in the Los Angeles music industry.
At the present, information on which roles may be recast is still kept under wraps. The Idol has been underway, and although the changes may require reshooting some already shot content, the series will continue after the creative revamp.
Suzanna Son, Lily-Rose Depp, Troye Sivan, and Steve Zissis have been cast as series regulars, while Melanie Liburd, Elizabeth Berkley Lauren, Tunde Adebimpe, Nico Hiraga, and Anne Heche have been recruited as recurring cast members.
The Idol was created and written by The Weeknd (real name Abel Tesfaye), his producing partner Reza Fahim, and Levinson. Showrunner Joe Epstein is also on board, while director Amy Seimetz was tapped to helm the whole run of six episodes. All five serve as executive producers, alongside Kevin Turen, Ashley Levinson, and Aaron Gilbert, as well as Sara E. White and A24.
