HBO’s highly anticipated new series, “The Idol,” created by the mastermind behind “Euphoria,” presented itself as the most scandalous love story in all of Hollywood and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday. Amidst a bustling Croisette boulevard, Travis Scott, Stella Maxwell, and Julia Fox, donning plastic gowns and dark lipstick, joined Lily-Rose Depp and Abel Tesfaye, the show’s stars, on the red carpet, eliciting enthusiastic cheers from the packed crowd.
Lily-Rose Depp, daughter of renowned actor Johnny Depp, who also premiered a film at the festival, portrays Jocelyn, a pop singer striving to make a seductive comeback after enduring a nervous breakdown. Tesfaye, widely recognized as the music sensation The Weeknd, ventures into acting for the first time, embodying Tedros, a nightlife impresario in Los Angeles and Jocelyn’s love interest.
Jennie Kim, a member of the popular K-pop girl band BLACKPINK, makes her acting debut in the series, adopting the stage name Jennie Ruby Jane. Additionally, acclaimed actors Dan Levy, Hank Azaria, and the late Anne Heche, who passed away in 2022, are also set to grace the screen in this production.
Tesfaye co-created and co-wrote “The Idol” alongside Sam Levinson, the creative force behind the successful HBO teen drama “Euphoria.” In an interview with W magazine, Levinson recounted Tesfaye’s pitch for the series, highlighting his ability to inspire unwavering devotion from his fans, stating, “If I wanted to start a cult, I could.” This sentiment served as the catalyst for “The Idol,” exploring the consequences of a pop star falling for the wrong person while surrounded by a silence that echoes through the narrative.
Renowned for hits such as “Blinding Lights” and “Starboy,” The Weeknd is celebrated for his musical prowess, while Lily-Rose Depp previously portrayed Isadora Duncan in the 2016 film “The Dancer,” showcased in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard category.
“The Idol” is scheduled to premiere on June 4th, offering audiences an enticing glimpse into the scandalous world of fame, love, and intrigue.