The Weeknd To Star In ‘Euphoria’ Creator’s Pop Singer Cult Drama
The Weeknd is going to try his hand not only at acting, but writing and producing as well, with a drama series from Euphoria creator Sam Levinson.
Per Variety, HBO is developing The Idol, which follows a female pop singer who starts a romance with an enigmatic L.A. club owner who is the leader of a secret cult. Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd) will most likely star as the club owner/cult leader, co-write and executive produce alongside Reza Fahim and Levinson. Fahim is a former nightlife entrepreneur-turned-writer who is also The Weeknd’s producing partner.
The Weeknd has written for television once before, writing and starring in an episode of animated series American Dad on TBS last year. He also played himself in the anxiety-inducing Uncut Gems (2019) opposite Adam Sandler.
Watch a clip of The Weeknd in American Dad below:
The Weeknd’s manager Wassim “SAL” Slaiby will also co-executive produce the series. Levinson’s hit HBO series Euphoria debuted in 2019, earning mutliple Emmy nominations for its first season, including a win for star Zendaya for best actress in a drama. A second season is on the way, with two one-hour specials having dropped in December and January.