The Weeknd is branching out into TV. Along with Euphoria creator Sam Levinson and Reza Fahim, the bestselling artist has created The Idol, a drama series that’s being developed at HBO.
Amy Seimetz (She Dies Tomorrow) is already on board to direct all six episodes and executive produce, while Joe Epstein will serve as writer and showrunner.
The series has been secretly in development since this summer and focuses on the music industry, revolving around a self-help guru and leader of a modern-day cult who develops a complicated relationship with an up-and-coming pop idol. Lily-Rose Depp, Suzanna Son, Melanie Liburd, and Tunde Adebimpe will star.
The Weeknd will also appear on screen, making this just his second on-camera role after previously appearing in Uncut Gems as himself.
Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President of HBO Programming, said in a statement:
“When the multi-talented Abel ‘The Weeknd’ Tesfaye, Reza Fahim and Sam Levinson brought us The Idol, it was clear their subversive, revelatory take on the cult of the music industry was unlike anything HBO had ever done before.
Shortly after, the brilliant duo of Joe Epstein and Amy Seimetz joined forces with the rest of the team, and this dream became a reality.”
There’s currently no further details regarding The Idol, but HBO will have high hopes for a show being created by an internationally renowned artist in The Weeknd, and Levinson, who has already delivered the network one hit in the form of Euphoria.
#Peace.Love.TheIdol
