Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfayeis set to return to acting in a role that won’t be delegated tobeing punched in a club. The Grammy-nominated artist and his creative producerReza Fahimare developing the drama seriesThe Idolfor HBO. The singer will star in the series, as well as co-write and executive produce with Fahim andEuphoriashowrunnerSam Levinson.
The Idolwill focus on a famous female pop star who crosses paths with a mysterious club owner. However, the budding relationship harbors dark secrets, particularly the existence of a secret cult the enigmatic man leads in the Los Angeles underground.
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Tesfaye, who previously wrote and starred in an episode ofFamily Guy, will join a writing team consisting ofMary LawsandJoseph Epstein. The latter will also act as showrunner. His managerWassim Slaibyand creative directorLa Mar C. Taylorare slated to co-executive produce the series. Levinson and his producing partner and wife Ashley will also serve as executive producers alongside Tesfaye, Fahim, Epstein,Kevin Turen, andAaron L. Gilbert.
It is unclear whether Tesfaye will play the cult leader or will take on an undisclosed role. However, if his creative direction for his recentAfter Hoursera is any indication, he could pull off the role extremely well. After all, many of the visuals of the album relied heavily on flashing lights and surrealist imagery. Even if theTammi Brothers, who designed and directed the visuals that broughtAfter Hoursto life, are not involved, the idea of a collaboration between Tesfaye and the stylistic Levinson is still intriguing. Let’s just hope it’s not another attempt at explaining the pitfalls of art criticism or society as a whole, unlikea certain other project.
Further details on casting and an expected production date onThe Idolhave not been revealed.
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