“When was the last truly fucking nasty, nasty, bad pop girl?” a character played by Troye Sivan asks in the latest trailer for HBO’s The Idol. The show ventures to answer that question in explicit detail when it premieres this summer.
Set to Britney Spears’s “Gimme More,” the new teaser introduces Lily-Rose Depp as Jocelyn—a pop star in need of inspiration—and Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye as Tedros, the shadowy figure willing to provide such influence.
“After a nervous breakdown derailed Jocelyn’s last tour, she’s determined to claim her rightful status as the greatest and sexiest pop star in America. Her passions are reignited by Tedros, a nightclub impresario with a sordid past,” the show’s official HBO logline states. “Will her romantic awakening take her to glorious new heights or the deepest and darkest depths of her soul?”
The series, which is co-created by Tesfaye, Reza Fahim, and Euphoria’s Sam Levinson, will make its official bow at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival before launching on HBO and the newly-rebranded Max in the time slot left vacant when Succession ends on Sunday, June 4 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Glimpses of the rest of the show’s starry cast including Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Eli Roth, Hari Nef, Jane Adams, Blackpink’s Jennie Ruby Jane, Mike Dean, Moses Sumney, Rachel Sennott, Ramsey, Suzanna Son, and Hank Azaria can also be seen in the newest trailer.
Although the show—billed by HBO as “the sleaziest love story in all of Hollywood”—has yet to be seen, it’s already weathered some controversy. Last month, Rolling Stone published a piece detailing its alleged behind-the-scenes issues, reportedly stemming from a creative overhaul and the exit of original series director Amy Seimetz.
In a statement to Vanity Fair, HBO denied allegations of toxicity on set, stating that a showrunner switch was made because early episodes “did not meet HBO standards.” The statement continued, “Throughout the process, 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. We look forward to sharing The Idol with audiences soon.”
Both of the show’s leads also vehemently defended the series. In a statement to Vanity Fair, Depp praised Levinson’s leadership, calling him “the best director I have ever worked with.” She added, “Never have I felt more supported or respected in a creative space, my input and opinions more valued.” Tesfaye also shared what appears to be a clip from the show featuring himself, Depp, and co-star Dan Levy, in which his character says, “Yeah, nobody cares about Rolling Stone,” captioning his post, “@rollingstone did we upset you?”