The Weeknd Grateful Sam Levinson Got here On to Repair ‘The Idol’ Regardless of Report

The Weeknd‘s new HBO present is getting dragged after a report advised the manufacturing is in shambles — however sources inform TMZ issues are literally fairly the other, and Abel’s truly fairly happy.

Manufacturing sources for “The Idol” — which has been a piece in progress for practically 2 years now — inform TMZ that the Rolling Stone story that got here out Wednesday about “Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson‘s involvement shouldn’t be a good illustration of how the lead star of the sequence feels … which we’re instructed is optimistic and grateful.

Our sources inform us that no person who talked to RS — upwards of 13 sources, they declare — has seen the ultimate product … regardless of reviews of reshoots involving oversexualized and/or “torture porn” scenes that includes Lily-Rose Depp and Abel, amongst different solid members.

In different phrases, we’re instructed to recommend these scenes are going to make it within the ultimate minimize is deceptive.

Truth is … we’re instructed Levinson was introduced on to exchange OG director Amy Seimetz for a purpose — and that he has crafted an grownup story with mature components … what Abel and present creators had envisioned from the start.

Our sources say The Weeknd and others felt the present was not in place earlier than SL got here aboard to “proper the ship” — which we’re instructed a majority of the solid/crew really feel he did with success, regardless of how edgy a number of the materials they could have shot has been to date.

As RS notes of their piece, Levinson fully redid Amy’s work … bringing on new actors — like Dan Levy, Hank Azaria and Jennie from BLACKPINK — spliced in a brand new script with a unique approach and employed a extra strong capturing schedule too … which our sources insist have elevated the artwork and which can make for a greater product when it lastly hits the service.

There’s additionally a significant false impression, we’re instructed, about an alleged notion that Weeknd felt the OG model of “The Idol” was too targeted on a feminine perspective … which is one thing that was floated in Rolling Stone. We’re instructed he would not really feel that means in any respect — if something, the entire present is a couple of girl who needs to manage her personal narrative in showbiz.

One other factor … our sources say the declare that the finances hit near $80 million is “nowhere close to” correct. In different phrases, the reshoots weren’t that costly.

As for Lily-Rose, she says … “Sam is, for thus many causes, the perfect director I’ve ever labored with. By no means have I felt extra supported or revered in a artistic house, my enter and opinions extra valued. Working with Sam is a real collaboration in each means – it issues to him, greater than something, not solely what his actors take into consideration the work, however how we really feel performing it. He hires individuals whose work he esteems and has all the time created an surroundings wherein I felt seen, heard, and appreciated.” That backs The Weeknd’s view.

HBO themselves have weighed in too, confirming the unique course “The Idol” was entering into wasn’t as much as their requirements, and that they are pleased with the place Levinson’s taken it thus far.