The Weeknd has taken the music world by storm and is now looking to make a splash in another media – television as the superstar has been tapped to star in a new cult drama named ‘The Idol’, a show that is in development by premium cabler – HBO.
He is primarily known for his many musical accomplishments, including recently dropping the album “After Hours” and performing at the Super Bowl LV halftime show. “After Hours” has accumulated 7 billion global audio and video streams, half from the hit single “Blinding Lights.” It is one of the 44 platinum or gold songs or albums with which he’s been involved.
On a normal day, you’d find this article filed under the ‘music’ sub- category under entertainment, but this time round it is in ‘film’. feel me? 🌚
Well, Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye will this time round try his hand at acting with a drama series; which he is also reportedly to co-write and executive produce. As an Abel “The Weeknd” stan, I am here for it! 🥳
Euphoria creator Levinson co-created the series with Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye and Reza Fahim, a former nightlife entrepreneur-turned-writer who is also The Weeknd’s producing partner.
Currently titled “The Idol,” the series follows a female pop singer who starts a romance with an enigmatic Los Angeles club owner who is the leader of a secret cult.
Joseph Epstein will serve as showrunner and writer on the project. Levinson, Tesfaye, Fahim, Epstein, Ashley Levinson, Kevin Turen, Bron Studios’ Aaron L. Gilbert will exec produce.
Mary Laws, who has written on Succession and Preacher, will write and co-exec produce. The Weeknd’s manager Wassim “SAL” Slaiby and creative director La Mar C. Taylor will also co-exec produce.
Though most renowned for his musical prowess, The “Starboy” singer is no stranger to the TV arena. He has previously written for television. and starred in an episode of ‘American Dad.’ He in 2020 wrote and starred in an episode of the cult hit animated series “American Dad” on TBS. He also played himself in the critically-acclaimed film “Uncut Gems” opposite Adam Sandler.
No release dates, or trailer for the show have been revealed yet, however, Abel tweeted ‘The Idol’ and mentioned the streaming service – HBO.
Just like the Friends Reunion, among other HBO/ HBO Max related content, once it is available on the platform, it shall reflect on streaming partner – Showmax. Therefore download the app if you haven’t, or sign up on their website to watch ‘The Idol’ first when it drops!
Read also: Toronto Mayor Declares ‘The Weeknd Day’ to Honor Singer’s Super Bowl Performance
