In The Idol, Lily-Rose Depp plays a pop star named Jocelyn. Is this purely fictional character inspired by a real pop star? Explanations.
In The Idol, the series co-created by Sam Levinson (Euphoria) and The Weeknd, Lily-Rose Depp plays Jocelyn, a pop star involved in a destructive relationship with nightclub boss Tedros.
The latter is embodied by the singer, also a co-screenwriter. Faced with this fictional universe, it is impossible not to think of real singers, whose life, overexposed by the media, was often punctuated by scandals.
The first and most obvious that comes to mind is none other than Britney Spears, who is quoted from the first episode during a conversation. During a short sequence, viewers discover that even at a young age, Jocelyn was in a series – or a film? – entitled Rock House. A nod to all those Disney programs, from Camp Rock to Hannah Montana, that have produced lots of young talent, from Miley Cyrus to Demi Lovato.
During the press conference at the Cannes Film Festival where the series was presented out of competition, Lily-Rose Depp revealed that the heroine’s story was not modeled on any particular personality.
However, in an interview with W Magazine, she claims to have observed Britney Spears, but also two other icons of the scene: “Of course I’m a fan of Britney!” Who doesn’t like it? But I also thought about Beyoncé, Mariah [Carey] and all the great pop stars of our time. I wanted Jocelyn to be that woman who dominates the room and is never afraid of her brilliance.”
The actress also explains that she was inspired by “femmes fatales” such as “Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct and Jeanne Moreau in Jules et Jim” but also by Brigitte Bargot. “I wanted Jocelyn to have the same attitude,” adds Lily-Rose Depp.
The Idol is available on Prime Video through Warner Pass.