This was supposed to be the next Euphoria. Shocking report – new HBO series turned into “rape fantasy”?

The Idol it was supposed to be crazier and even darker Euphoria. HBO announced loudly “the most disgusting love story in hollywood” with Lily-Rose Depp as a pop star. However, the last information about the project appeared a long time ago. Now Rolling Stone has published extensive material on what their sources say was going on behind the scenes of the production. The report is truly shocking and disturbing: according to it, the entire original story and moral were thrown in the trash to do what is described as “fantasy rap” and “sexual torture porn”.

The Idol – HBO series from the creator euphoria

Works on The Idol announced in November 2021. The cast was supposed to feature stars such as Lily-Rose Depp, The Weeknd, Jennie from Blackpink and Troye Sivan. He finally sat down in the director’s chair Sam Levinsonthe hitmaker Euphoriaone of HBO’s most popular series. It was said that the production was supposed to debut last fall and fill the gap after Dragon lineagehowever, the case was over. The Rolling Stone report answers the question of what could have happened.

The Idol – Sam Levinson wanted to turn up the nudity and sex

We officially know that director Amy Seimetz left the project when the six-episode series was roughly 80% complete. HBO therefore stated that the production would undergo a makeover on the creative front. We do not know what prompted Amy Seimetz to make such a decision. Reportedly, the series was moving too much towards a “female perspective” and feminist approach.

Rolling Stone interviewed thirteen cast and crew members The Idol. Reportedly, Sam Levinson, when he took over from Amy Seimetz as director, threw almost the entire completed project into the trash – worth some $54-75 million! – to rewrite the script and reshoot the series. People interviewed by Rolling Stone say the creator has diluted the main message to pump up sexual content and nudity. He wanted to surpass this level euphoria. A production member explained:

I wanted to take part in a dark satire of 21st century fame […]. However, it went from being a satire to a copy of what the show was originally intended to mock.

Sam Levinson and “rape fantasy” in the idol

Four sources agreed that Sam Levinson completely abandoned the director’s message – about a pop star who fell victim to a dangerous entertainment industry – in favor of a humiliating love story with an empty moralwhich some found disgusting. One of the informants stated that Sam Levinson turned it into 3rd season euphoria with pop stars. Another says that a show that was supposed to be about a woman exploring her sexuality has turned into a production about a man who abuses and oppresses her, and she loves it.

There are many alarming scenes in the production. Sources describe one of them – the character played by Lily-Rose Depp was supposed to carry an egg in her vagina. When she dropped or smashed them, the man (played by Tesfaye) allegedly refused to “rape” her – which in turn caused the woman to panic, who begged him to “rape” her anyway. The girl believed that this was the key to success. Ultimately, however, this idea was abandoned. The creators did not know how to realistically shoot a scene without putting an egg in the actress.

It was like any “rape fantasy” a toxic guy would want to see on a show – with the woman coming back for more. Her music was supposed to be better because of it.

Sam Levinson and Tesfaye did not respond to requests for comment. However, Tesfaye – after publishing the Rolling Stone article – decided to add this entry:

.@RollingStone did we upset you? pic.twitter.com/Uyx06lyRgx

— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) March 1, 2023

The Idol – will the series be aired?

Sources claim that Amy Seimetz was doomed from the start: she was given a tight schedule, little time to complete the project and impossible expectations of HBO, which could not be met with a small budget. Apparently, despite limited financial resources, the platform expected a style effect euphoria. She wanted to shoot in expensive mansions and nightclubs. It’s also worth noting that cast and crew members interviewed by Rolling Stone thought the idea was brilliant. Despite other proposals, they joined the project because of how well the story presented itself. Now, no one knows when – or if – the series will air. What the final version looks like also remains a mystery. There were numerous delays, reshoots, and remakes during filming.

It is also worth noting the fact that Lily-Rose Depp, a star The Idolin a statement for the EW portal, she defended the director.

Sam, for many reasons, is the best director I’ve worked with. I have never felt more supported and respected in a creative space. My opinions and contributions have never been more valued. Working with Sam is a collaboration in every way – for him, the most important thing is not only what we think about the work, but also how we feel when we do it.

Source:
Rolling Stone, https://ew.com