Sam Levinson’s The Idol, the brand new HBO sequence starring Lily-Rose Depp and Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, acquired a five-minute-plus standing ovation after its world premiere out of competitors on the Cannes Movie Pageant on Monday night time.
After the screening of the primary two episodes of the sequence that debuts subsequent month, Levinson, the Euphoria creator who co-created this one with Tesfaye and Reza Fahim, turned emotional addressing the group on the Grand Theatre Lumiere, the place he was flanked by his two stars.
“I’m extremely happy with this present, and I’m happy with the best way we made this present,” he mentioned, including, “I really feel like I gained a household .. I do know that sounds slightly culty however that’s the best way it feels.”
Tesfaye, the pop star who’s making is appearing debut, additionally was wiping away tears.
The Idol stars Depp as Jocelyn, a super-ambitious Britney-esque character who has not too long ago hit the massive time within the dog-eat-dog world of showbiz. After a nervous breakdown derailed her final tour, she’s decided to assert her rightful standing as the best and sexiest pop star in America.
The primary two episodes proven tonight launched Depp’s Jocelyn, who’s dissatisfied along with her comeback file and desires to carry again on releasing it. Then she meet’s Abel’s character Tedros (Tesfaye), a nightclub impresario with a sordid previous, in his membership — it’s an on the spot hook up. He activates the coercive management quick together with some 50 Shades-level BDSM and makes her remix her file that night time, filling it with the sounds of her sexual panting.
Her label doesn’t go for the brand new remix and tells her to get it collectively; they’ve misplaced a ton of cash over her breakdown and withdrawing from tour months earlier.
Abel’s character then performs laborious to get, with glimpses of him surrounded by a form of harem whereas he zaps one of many guys’ genitals with a taser. He then primarily tells Jocelyn he’s shifting in.
In the meantime, we study Tedros is a “music supervisor” in addition to a membership proprietor. However Jocelyn’s live-in finest pal/ assistant is already suspicious, and Jocelyn’s crew and supervisor (Hank Azaria) have performed a deep dive on his previous — the dude is bother however nobody is aware of but simply how a lot bother.
Troye Sivan additionally stars together with Dan Levy, Da’Vine Pleasure Randolph, Eli Roth, Hari Nef, Jane Adams, Jennie Ruby Jane, Mike Dean, Moses Sumney, Rachel Sennott, Ramsey and Suzanna Son.
Levinson known as out Depp’s efficiency in his remarks tonight.
‘Abel and I, we rely our fortunate stars ever day that you’re Jocelyn – you’re fearless,” he mentioned. “Thanks for taking this leap.”
Levinson, Tesfaye and Fahim govt produce with Kevin Turen, Ashley Levinson, Joseph Epstein, Aaron L. Gilbert for Bron, and Sara E. White. Levinson additionally directs. The HBO sequence is produced in partnership with A24.
It debuts on HBO at 9 p.m. on Sunday, June 4.
Patrick Hipes contributed to this report.