THE IDOL, set against the backdrop of the music industry, centers on a self-help guru and leader of a modern-day cult (The Weeknd), who develops a complicated relationship with an up-and-coming pop idol (Depp), according to a press release. As she gets pulled in deeper and deeper into the guru’s orbit, their romance is described as “the sleaziest love story in all of Hollywood.” And the trailer presents viewers with a moody, perverted, and yet, somehow, still seductive string of scenes that include sex, drugs, and more. At one point, The Weeknd’s character asks Depp: “Why don’t you just be yourself?” to which she responds, “Because there is nothing about me that’s relatable.” Audiences were captivated with just one tweet shared by HBO. The the sizzle reel exists alongside a rather vague caption which reads: “From the sick and twisted minds of Sam Levinson and @TheWeeknd, starring Lily-Rose Depp, #THEIDOL is coming soon to @hbomax.” Eight months ago, HBO announced it had ordered the dark new drama series from co-creators Sam Levinson (Euphoria), Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, and Reza Fahim; director Amy Seimetz (The Girlfriend Experience, Atlanta, She Dies Tomorrow, Sun Don’t Shine); and producers Kevin Turen (Euphoria), Ashley Levinson (Euphoria), Nick Hall (The White Lotus) and Sara E. White (Station 19). Shortly after the video was tweeted, fans picked up on a surprise Hollywood debut that hadn’t been mentioned in any press release or interview—BLACKPINK’S Jennie Kim was cast and is set to make her HBO debut. Per IMDB, the series also stars pop star Troye Sivan, Debby Ryan, Anne Heche, Saved by the Bell alum Elizabeth Berkley, Rachel Sennott, and more. A premiere date has yet to be announced. In April, HBO announced a creative reset for the series, so it remains unclear if they upped the original six-episode order. Next, Sydney Sweeney Cries on the Phone With Mom After Scoring 2 Emmy Nominations.
