Michael Buckner for Variety
The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp closed the Croisette to show the prize of fame – and plenty of raunchy intrigue – at the Cannes premiere of ‘The Idol’ on Monday.
The HBO original series draws direct parallels to superstar meltdowns like Britney Spears’ and was eventually unveiled at a packed gala screening.
Revenge porn photos of bodily fluids on Depp’s face, masturbation with ice cubes, scammers who own nightclubs, and vile Hollywood toadlicks populated the first two episodes of the already controversial series.
The brainchild of “Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson and Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, the series tests poor Dipp as a pop phenomenon coming off a psychotic break following the death of her mother. A group of blood-sucking henchmen (fabulously portrayed by Jane Adams, Hank Azaria and Eli Roth) are desperate to put together a new album and tour. While blowing off steam at a seedy Hollywood dance hall, she meets Tesfaye as owner and shoulder rest – who soon reveals far greater ambitions for her career and its bottom line. Tesfaye’s character, Tedros, is a modern day cult leader. Supporting cast includes Suzanna Son, Troye Sivan, Dan Levy, Rachel Sennott and more.
Similar to Levinson’s “Euphoria,” the production of “The Idol” had reports of on-set turmoil due to a poor work environment, last-minute script changes, and budget issues. Original director Amy Seimetz left the series in April 2022 after several episodes had already been filmed due to a change in creative direction. Reports at the time said Tesfaye felt the show was leaning too much toward a “female perspective,” though the pop star has denied such claims.
In a statement sent to Variety at the time, HBO emphasized that “unfortunately, the original approach to the show and the production of the first few episodes didn’t meet HBO standards, which is why we decided to make a change.”
“Throughout the process, the creative team has strived to provide a safe, collaborative and mutually respectful work environment, and over the past year the team has made creative changes that they felt were in the best interests of both the production and the cast and crew. ‘ the network added, refuting claims that manufacturing was a toxic work environment.
Depp defended Levinson against the same allegations, saying in a statement to Variety, “Sam is the best director I’ve ever worked with for so many reasons.” In a creative environment, I’ve never felt more supported and respected, my contributions and opinions were valued more. Working with Sam is a true collaboration in every way – he cares more than anything, not just what his actors think of the work, but how we feel about it. He hires people whose work he values and has consistently created an environment where I have felt seen, heard and valued.”
“The Idol” is scheduled to premiere June 4 on HBO.