Yesterday,it was announcedthat the upcoming HBO dramaThe Idol, set in and around the music industry, would undergo extensive reshoots as the series shifted to a new creative direction. Now, according toDeadline, it seems thatAmy Seimetz, who was previously signed on to direct all the episodes of the series, has left the project.
The Idolis a series created byEuphoriacreatorSam Levinson,Reza Fahim, and award-winning musical artistThe Weekend, akaAbel Tesfaye. The series is said to follow the story of a rising pop star as she gets into a romance with an L.A. club owner who secretly is running a cult. About the series’ overhaul, HBO put out a statement yesterday saying:
“The Idol’s’ creative team continues to build, refine, and evolve their vision for the show and they have aligned on a new creative direction. The production will be adjusting its cast and crew accordingly to best serve this new approach to the series. We look forward to sharing more information soon.”
It seems Seimetz is leaving the project in the wake of these creative changes, although there has been no official statement on the reason for her departure. Seimetz previously co-created and directed the drama seriesThe Girlfriend Experienceand also directed episodes of shows likeAtlantaandOuter Range.
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It is expected that Levinson will have a role in directing the series now, after having directed many episodes ofEuphoriaand the Netflix dramaMalcolm & Marie.
Before the creative overhaul,The Idolwas set to feature Tesfaye andLily Rose-Deppin the starring roles withTroye Sivan,Suzanna Son,Steve Zissis,Melanie Liburd,Tunde Adebimpe,Elizabeth Berkley Lauren,Nico Hiraga, andAnne Hechein supporting and recurring roles. It is unknown how much of this cast is expected to stay onboard the series as it undergoes changes.
Tesfaye co-wrote the series withMary LawsandJoseph Epstein. Laws has previously written for series likePreacherandSuccession. Epstein is also set to serve as showrunner on the series. Additionally, the series will be executive produced by Levinson, Tesfaye, Fahim, Epstein,Ashley Levinson,Kevin Turen,andAaron L. Gilbert. With Laws serving as a co-executive producer with Tesfaye’s managerWassim “SAL” SlaibyandLa Mar C. Taylor. There is no word as of yet on whether any of these names will be leaving the project along with Seimetz.
Stay tuned to Collider for more news onThe Idolas the specifics of its creative overhaul begin to develop.
