Fans of Sam Levinson’s Euphoria will have something to look forward to as they wait for the second season of the programme to premiere on HBO later this year. Fans may anticipate The Weeknd and Lily Rose-Depp to feature in Levinson’s next drama The Idol, which has already debuted with a trailer hinting at the show’s tone and promiscuity. HBO has confirmed that the show will premiere this year, although no release date has been determined. David Simon and George Pelecanos, creators of Euphoria and The Deuce, are behind The Idol, which is set to premiere on HBO this fall.
The Idol, starring Maggie Gyllenhaal, appears to be doing for the music industry what The Deuce did for the pornographic industry: ripping back the curtain. Two of the show’s co-creators are The Weeknd and Reza Fahim. The Weeknd did appear in a minor role as himself alongside Adam Sandler in Uncut Gems, yet there’s always trepidation when musicians/singers make the leap from the stage to the camera. Although HBO has stated that “the series will concentrate on a self-help guru and leader of a contemporary cult who falls into a tumultuous relationship with a rising pop idol,” this teaser doesn’t reveal anything about the plot.
Rose-Depp will likely play the pop star, with The Weeknd playing the cult leader. In the teaser, a billboard for the recent Apple TV+ film Cha Cha Real Smooth (which may or may not make the final cut) appears to indicate a current-day location. Co-stars on “The Idol” include Troye Sivan, Melanie Liburd, Debby Ryan, Rachel Sennott, and Steve Zissis, all well-known pop singers in their own right. It is being produced by the same team as Euphoria, which includes Bron Creative, Little Lamb and HBO.
All six episodes were originally planned to be directed by Amy Seimetz (The Killing, Alien: Covenant), but she stepped down early this year due to creative differences. After Seimetz’s departure, Levinson was brought in to direct. Following a series of reshoots and casting changes, the film’s production was completed recently. The Weeknd debuted the After Hours til Dawn trailer at his MetLife Stadium show this past weekend, while on his After Hours til Dawn Tour. After the success of Euphoria (which recently received a slew of Primetime Emmy nominations), HBO is riding high on the popularity of The Idol, which should appeal to the same audience.