The Weeknd has been receiving critical acclaim for his new HBO series, The Idol — and a co-sign from a Hollywood legend has the musician-turned-actor feeling a bit gobsmacked.
Taking to his Instagram stories on Saturday (May 27), the “I Can’t Feel My Face” singer reposted a story from none other than Basic Instinct actress Sharon Stone, who sang the praises of the show that also stars nepo baby Lily-Rose Depp.
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“I just watched the first two episodes of @theidol @lilyrose_depp & Abel (@theweeknd) r so sure footed,” Stone wrote. “#SamLevinson addresses the root of crisis in entertainment; Which comes first, the brilliance or the heartache?”
The Weeknd reposted the story with just one comment of his own: “Wow.”
Deadline reports that the recent world premiere of The Idol received a five-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival, for which Levinson, Depp and The Weeknd were all in attendance.
However, the show has also been on the receiving end of some pretty strong criticism as well.
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Earlier this year, Rolling Stone published an exposé The Idol, claiming that the filming descended into a “shitshow” following the departure of original director Amy Seimetz.
The outlet spoke to 13 cast and crew members, with one person describing the series as “sexual torture porn.” Another said: “It was like any rape fantasy that any toxic man would have in the show — and then the woman comes back for more because it makes her music better.”
The Weeknd, who co-created The Idol and has a leading role, took to Twitter shortly after to respond to Rolling Stone by posting an exclusive clip from the show. In it, his character, Tedros, calls the publication “irrelevant.”
“So, Rolling Stone came back to us about a cover and I think it’s worth pursuing,” a character played by Dan Levy tells Tedros and Lily-Rose Depp’s character, Jocelyn.
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Tedros responds: “Rolling Stone? Aren’t they a little… irrelevant?”
Jocelyn adds: “Yeah, I don’t know. I think it might be kinda past its prime, do you know what I mean?”
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Tedros then says: “Nobody cares about Rolling Stone” and claims most of their Instagram followers are bots.
The Idol premieres on June 4 on HBO.
