HBO’s “The Idol” production has been plagued by delays, costly reshoots, last-minute script rewrites and a “sense of chaos” on set, according to a new report Rolling stoneWhich the cable network has strongly denied.
“The creators and producers of ‘The Idol’ are working hard to create one of HBO’s most exciting and stimulating original programs,” read the network’s statement to TheWrap. “The initial vision on the show and production of early episodes, unfortunately, did not meet HBO standards so we decided to make changes. Throughout the process, the creative team worked hard to create a safe, collaborative, and mutually respectful working environment. We’ve remained committed to this, and over the past year, the team made creative changes they felt were in the best interests of both the production and the cast and crew. We look forward to sharing ‘The Idol’ with audiences soon.”
The dark satire, co-developed by The Weeknd (née Abel Tesfaye), partner Reza Faheem and “Euphoria”‘s Sam Levinson, follows rising pop star Jocelyn (Lily-Rose Depp) as she navigates a corrupt music scene. Struggles to do so and commits suicide. The influence of Tedros (Tesfaye), a mysterious nightclub owner who is a powerful figure in a secretive cult. The buzzy project stars Troye Sivan, Blackpink’s Jenny Kim making her acting debut, Dan Levy, Rachel Sennott, Hank Azaria, Moses Sumney and more. Several teasers and trailers have already been released, the premiere date is yet to be announced.
What was initially billed as a six-episode series that would expose the sordid underside of the industry became an exercise in “sexual torture porn” as Levinson took over directorial duties following Amy Seimetz’s exit in April. , according to one of 13 unnamed sources interviewed by the publication. A production member said according to the outlet, “It was like any rape fantasy any toxic man would have at a show – and then the woman comes back for more because it makes her music better.”
Simetz, who was writing and polishing the script while serving as director, according to Rolling Stone, left as the show entered hiatus. His departure came a day after HBO revealed that the project was undergoing a major overhaul, with adjustments to its cast and crew, as well as significant reshoots.
HBO told TheWrap at the time, “The Idol creative team continues to build, refine and develop their vision for the show and they have aligned on a new creative direction.” “Production will adjust its cast and crew accordingly to best serve this new approach to the series. We look forward to sharing more information soon.”
A source with knowledge of the situation, and who has seen the series, told TheWrap that Seimetz was fired from the production after his vision didn’t align with the network’s, leaving Levinson with his input and creative direction “for the day.” was forced to “save”. According to the person, all of Seimetz’s work — a production that Rolling Stone reported cost about $54–75 million before reshoots — has been scrapped. The unnamed individuals cited in the Rolling Stone report were also fired, the source said. Meanwhile, the publication argues that most of the crew members did not return of their own volition for rehab.
Upon Levinson’s acquisition, sources claimed to Rolling Stone that the project diluted its meaning as it moved away from the “feminist lens” first explored in Seimetz’s version, which was initially praised by HBO and Tesfaye. and was later canceled in favor of Levinson’s approach. Those involved with the production said that Seimetz was expected to deliver “euphoria”—results on a tight budget and schedule, which included challenges such as first-time show runner in Joe Epstein and limited availability with Tesfaye touring. Matters became more chaotic, according to the outlet, as the project’s initial script went through more than 20 rewrites, with both minor and drastic changes being made daily. Rolling Stone reported that in April 2022, it became public that Seimetz was out, which blindfolded production members who found out through news articles.
A major point of contention and concern among the crew was the show’s pivot to messaging, which Rolling Stone detailed as “disturbing sexually and physically violent scenes”. One such scene, which was not filmed, featured the physical abuse of Depp’s character by Tedros, as the former smiles and demands more violence, resulting in Depp’s erection. A second scandalous scene, which was also not filmed due to logistical issues relating to its realistic portrayal, involved Jocelyn carrying an egg in her vagina, which Tedros refuses to rape when dropped. In response, the character would reportedly beg for rape as the key to his professional success.
A source told Rolling Stone that Levinson’s on-set “vibe” was, “‘What’s HBO gonna do, pull the plug? Yeah right. If they want a third season of ‘Euphoria,’ they’ll give me what I want.” want … we’re going to shoot what we want and if [HBO execs] There’s a problem with it, it’s their problem.'” The multihyphenate behind “Euphoria” previously faced public criticism for its reliance on racy nudity and sexual violence about teenagers with actors like Sidney Sweeney and Minka Kelly is. How she asked producers to limit some nude scenes. Other stars like Zendaya and Jacob Elordi have sided and defended Levinson allegedly gruesome set environment, which involved long shooting days and frequent rewrites.
Representatives for Seimetz, Levinson and The Weeknd did not immediately respond to requests for comment from TheWrap.
In a statement to TheWrap, Depp said, “Sam is the best director I’ve worked with for so many reasons. I’ve never felt more supported or respected in a creative space, my inputs and opinions are more valuable. Working with Sam is a true collaboration in every way – it matters to him, more than anything, not only what his actors think of the work, but how we feel doing it. He hires people whose work he respects and has always created an environment in which I have been seen, heard and appreciated.
However, a production member quoted by Rolling Stone said that the experience was indicative of the network tolerating Levinson’s behavior for financial gain. “It was such a strong example of how far [Levinson] can really outdo HBO and they’ll continue to cover [him] Because it brings money. He is able to get out safely and everyone still wants to work with him… People ignore the red flags and follow him regardless.
