The highly-anticipated show of the summer, The Idol, has premiered and many fans are deeply unimpressed with The Weeknd’s debut performance.
fun times ahead #THEIDOL @StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/LcGi8fyVbF
— Abel Tesfaye (@theweeknd) June 5, 2023
The Idol is an HBO TV series created by Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd), alongside Euphoria creator Sam Levinson and colleague Reza Fahim. Since its announcement, the show has been plagued with controversy and scandal surrounding its plot and production. The show has battled claims of sexual torture porn, a toxic work environment and adhering to the male gaze.
Last year, the show’s original director Amy Seimetz left when roughly 80 per cent of the six-episode series was already finished filming, according to an article published by Rolling Stone. Reasons pertaining to why she left remains unknown.
In response, an HBO spokesperson told Deadline in April 2022 that the production was simply “adjusting its cast and crew accordingly to best service this new approach to the series…”
Many speculate that the new approach relates to the Weeknd’s dissatisfaction with the creative direction of the show, saying it inclined too much into a “female perspective.”
READ MORE: The Weeknd officially changes his name on his social media accounts
In The Idol, the Canadian singer-songwriter plays Tedros, a cult leader and self-help guru who gets into a complicated relationship with pop star Jocelyn, played by Lily-Rose Depp. Throughout the series, Tedros tries to manipulate and control the artist to help her achieve ultimate stardom.
After the release of its first episode on Sunday, the rumors and allegations have only exacerbated. In addition, the Weeknd is also at the centre of the spotlight due to criticisms about his “abysmal” acting skills. One user took to Twitter to say “The Weeknd’s acting skills are nonexistent.”
the weeknd is awful at acting never do this again https://t.co/NptwTjlf6i
— kalyra ❦ (@kznejphobic) May 30, 2023
Acting: mid af (please never act again The Weeknd or maybe take some acting classes)
— Nichol Aque (@nicknichnic94) June 5, 2023
Screenplay: might as well be written by AI
Direction: 3.5/5
Cinematography: the only good thing about this dumpster fire of a show https://t.co/oenWamYvlX
The Idol is simultaneously awful self-parody, a pretentious art project, and grotesquely exploitative of its subject matter. Sam Levinson's dialogue is about as natural as a chicken nugget. The Weekend's performance is awful. It feels like a show made by CIS men cause it is. pic.twitter.com/7gEid4lxLB
— Lord Edge (@cgd0911) June 5, 2023
Following the premiere, the reactions to the show and The Weeknd’s performance have been non-stop. Though in the pool of bad reviews, there were some glowing reviews supporting the singer-turned-actor.
Just finished the first episode from the idol and im in love.
— Nareen. 🙂 (@two_fires_) June 5, 2023
The weeknd was so good in this I almost forgot he’s actually a singer and this is his first time acting! pic.twitter.com/GIx9243iQ0
Congrats Abel ! 🙌
— Mary Frt XOTWOD 🇫🇷 will see Abel in July (@Maryfrt74) June 5, 2023
You are made for acting, I knew that since day 1, just like you are made for music.❤️
I was proud to stan you in your "music era", I am proud to stan you in your "music – acting era" And I'll be proud to stan you in your "music – acting – film maker era"🙌 pic.twitter.com/8CPu7zQzM2
Meanwhile, other online users also criticized Sam Levinson for his writing and direction, ranging from disgust to praise.
put sam levinson in jail rn pic.twitter.com/Y29ie1yodW
— 🏹 (@czinnamongirl) June 6, 2023
so yes i did watch THE IDOL and hated the every second of it but this scene is perfectly directed and the imagery of the painting of the the four men looking at her is something didn’t see from SAM LEVINSON pic.twitter.com/05srHojKGM
— Roman Roy #1 defender (they/them) (@IsJayOhKay) June 6, 2023
Episode 2 of The Idol comes out on June 11.
