The upcoming HBO show The Idol premiered in Cannes, and it received a five minute standing ovation and apparently features a whole lot of explicit nudity from star Lily-Rose Depp.
The show premiered at a packed screening on Monday, per Variety, and features such uncouth scenes as human fluids on Depp’s face, Depp pleasuring herself with ice cubes and a whole plethora of shady characters doing shady things. The screening featured the first two episodes of the series.
The show centers around Depp as a famous pop star experiencing a breakdown following the death of her mother. She meets Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye’s character, who portrays a cult leader who takes control of the character’s life.
The Idol has had a bumpy ride to make it this far in development. There were reports of turmoil on the set, which prompted HBO to defend itself in a statement. The network denied allegations of a toxic work environment and said “the creative team has been committed to creating a safe, collaborative, and mutually respectful working environment, and last year, the team made creative changes they felt were in the best interest of both the production and the cast and crew.”
This is after original director Amy Seimetz left the show, following rumors at the time which claimed that Tesfaye didn’t like the overwrought “female perspective.” Several episodes had to be reshot. The show comes courtesy of Sam Levinson, who faced similar accusations of workplace turmoil on his other his show, Euphoria.
That rumor also prompted a star of the show to claim there was no toxicity at all. Colman Domingo told The Hollywood Reporter that everything on the show was handled with the “utmost care.” Depp made a similar statement about The Idol.
“Sam is, for so many reasons, the best director I have ever worked with. Never have I felt more supported or respected in a creative space, my input and opinions more valued. Working with Sam is a true collaboration in every way — it matters to him, more than anything, not only what his actors think about the work, but how we feel performing it. He hires people whose work he esteems and has always created an environment in which I felt seen, heard, and appreciated.”
Regardless, it sounds like the show is going to push the envelope in terms of content one way or the other. The Idol premieres June 4 on HBO.
