Sophia Michaels
The first season of “The Idol” hasn’t even premiered yet, but according to star Da’Vine Joy Randolph, there’s definitely a lot more of the story left to tell. “I absolutely think there’s a season two. I’m not saying it’s official, but there’s definitely a whole vast world that could be developed,” Randolph told Deadline in an interview published on May 23. The outlet also reported that Randolph, who plays Jocelyn’s (Lily-Rose Depp) manager, Destiny, received the loudest cheer of anyone at the show’s Cannes Film Festival premiere on May 22.
“The Idol” was created by Sam Levinson, The Weeknd (aka Abel Tesfaye), and Reza Fahim. It tells the story of Jocelyn, a pop star dealing with mental health struggles while caught in the crosshairs of the predatory music industry. In addition to Depp, the star-studded cast includes Hari Nef, Troye Sivan, Jennie Kim, and Rachel Sennott. “Euphoria” star Alexa Demie also appears briefly in a club in one scene, per Vulture, indicating that “The Idol” and Levinson’s other major HBO project may take place in the same universe.
“The Idol” experienced some creative turmoil; director Amy Seimetz exited the project and Levinson replaced her. A March Rolling Stone exposé alleged that the set was plagued by toxicity, particularly after Seimetz’s exit, though A24 and HBO denied those allegations. Early reviews coming out of Cannes have also expressed shock at the show’s explicit themes.
Randolph told Deadline that the Rolling Stone report’s allegations were exaggerated. “I wouldn’t even be a part of no mess like that,” she said. “So for me, I just let people think what they think. But I was excited. We’re not even out yet, and people are getting worked up.” Randolph also noted that all the press is just feeding into the show’s influence. “The way the world is now if you’re getting that much buzz and it’s not even out yet — that is the best press you can get,” she said. “If nothing else, people are going to watch it.”
While we don’t know anything about a potential season two of “The Idol” as of now, stay tuned for more information.
“The Idol” premieres on HBO and Max on June 4.
