Sam Levinson Latest Celebrity News & Gossip

Emily Longeretta The days of fall TV being the time for new shows to premiere are long gone. This summer, prep for bingeing per usual with a slew of unscripted and scripted series coming to both streamers and network TV. Likely the most-anticipated series of the year, HBO’s “The Idol,” will premiere in July after a great deal of delays and reshoots.

A.D. Amorosi Famous since the top of the 1990s for bold, old-school, synth-rich productions of hardcore rappers (Scarface), multi-hyphenate hip-hop magnates (Kanye West, Travis Scott) and symphonically scored R&B vocalists (Beyoncé, the Weeknd), Mike Dean always sounds as if he’s having the most fun on his chill solo excursions. Take the surprise drop this past weekend of “4:23,” another of Dean’s schmoked-up stoner efforts that, like 2020’s buoyant instrumental album “4:20,” is equal parts steely sci-fi epic soundtrack and spaced-out dream-pop.“4:23” is occasionally reminiscent of Dean’s home-recorded, souped-up synth-works, full of proggy impromptu noodling carved from larger ice block suites. But this new album mostly features tracks more succinct and cutting — actual songs. For such freshly anointed precision, we can likely credit Dean’s steadfast collaborator, tour partner and streaming network co-star, the Weeknd, who takes on a role here as the executive producer of “4:23.”

Ti West’s terrific “X” (he also served as an executive producer) and has stuck around the so-called “X” franchise, executive producing prequel “Pearl” and the upcoming sequel “MaXXXine.” He’ll soon appear in the Disney+ original film “Crater,” John Woo’s quiet action movie “Silent Night” and will be heard alongside Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick in “Trolls Band Together.”Executive producers on “Hell Naw” are Aaron L. Gilbert, Brenda Gilbert, Stuart Manashil, Kevin Turen, Harrison Kreiss, John Terzian, Jeremy Allen, with Brian Toll serving as associate producer.

EXCLUSIVE: Sony Pictures has acquired action/horror/comedy Hell Naw with Scott Mescudi AKA Kid Cudi attached to star and Euphoria creator Sam Levinson producing. Academy Award Nominees Keith & Kenny Lucas are writing the script, which is in early development. Mescudi will also produce along with his partners Karina Manashil and Dennis Cummings through their Mad Solar banner with Sam and Ashley Levinson producing through their Little Lamb production company. BRON and H. Wood Films are also producing.

The Weeknd and Future have released the new collaborative single k ‘Double Fantasy’ for the soundtrack to new HBO drama The Idol.The track is the first to be released from the official soundtrack of the new HBO Max series The Idol. The Weeknd co-created the show with Sam Levinson and Reza Fahim, and is said to be “one of HBO’s most provocative” shows yet.‘Double Fantasy’ is a darkened space pop track where The Weeknd – real name Abel Tesfaye – sings about a toxic relationship.

The Weeknd is speaking out about the criticism “The Idol” has experienced.

Syndey Sweeney is already an it-actress for HBO, thanks to her turns on “The White Lotus” and Sam Levinson‘s “Euphoria.” Now add “Reality” to that list: Sweeney stars as American whistleblower Reality Winner in Tina Satter‘s “Reality,” fresh off its world premiere at the Berlinale in February.

“torture porn” — is here.The “Blinding Lights” history-maker, 33, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, portrays shady nightclub owner Tedros, who becomes obsessed with Jocelyn, an up-and-coming pop star played by “nepo baby” Lily-Rose Depp, 23. “When was the last truly f – – king nasty, nasty bad-pop girl?” asks Jocelyn’s friend Caleb, portrayed by singer Troye Sivan, 27, as she poses for a sexy photo shoot in the teaser.

Being a pop star has its dark side.

The Idol, a new TV show from The Weeknd, Reza Fahim, and Euphoria creator Sam Levinson, will debut this summer, it has been confirmed. The series will launch on HBO and the recently-renamed streaming service Max, on June 4.

On the heels of Harry Styles’ highly publicized pivot to acting and Taylor Swift’s already-infamous cameo in David O. Russell’s latest flop “Amsterdam,” another major pop star is throwing their hat in the acting ring.

the latest teaser and June premiere date for the controversial new series,, starring The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp.Co-created by Sam Levinson, The Weeknd — whose real name is Abel Tesfaye — and Reza Fahim, the upcoming drama follows a pop star named Jocelyn (Depp) who is determined to reclaim «her rightful status as the greatest and sexiest pop star in America» after a nervous breakdown derailed her career. In doing so, she encounters Tedros (The Weeknd), a nightclub impresario who reignites her passions while also possibly leading her down a dark new path. In the new video set to Britney Spears' «Gimme More,» viewers get a taste for what's to come as Jocelyn navigates the ups and downs of being in the spotlight as she deals with video shoots, social media updates and various managers, publicists and entourage members all trying to control her narrative. In addition to The Weeknd and Depp, the series also stars Troye Siva, Dan Levy, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Eli Roth, Hari Nef, Jane Adams, Jennie Ruby Jane, Mike Dean, Moses Sumney, Rachel Sennott, Ramsey, Suzanna Son and Hank Azaria.Leading up to its debut, sparked controversy after a investigation reported that the production had «gone wildly, disgustingly off the rails» with regard to chaotic scheduling, going over budget, last-minute script changes and overhauls on graphically violent and sexual scenes.In response, The Weeknd shared a clip from the series, in which his character slams the magazine for being «irrelevant.» The singer even threw additional shade in the caption, by writing, "@rollingstone did we upset you?«Depp also spoke out, telling ET, „Sam is, for so many reasons, the best director I have ever worked with.

McKinley Franklin editor It’s time to gawk at the rise (and fall?) of a new megalomanic pop star.  HBO has announced that its original series “The Idol” will premiere on Sunday, June 4 at 9 p.m., with the network releasing another erotic teaser for the series. The new footage touts the series’ inclusion in the out of competition selection of this year’s Cannes Film Festival. The trailer opens with the question of when the industry saw “the last truly-fucking-nasty, nasty pop-girl.” Cue Britney Spears’ “Gimme More.”  “The Idol” stars Lily-Rose Depp as Jocelyn, a fame-hungry young woman looking to take over the entertainment industry. When she meets Tedros, a powerful, sex-obsessed cult leader portrayed by Abel “The Weekend” Tesfaye, Jocelyn’s career expands to new heights.

The Weeknd had previously responded to reports about his HBO show The Idol and the alleged controversies surrounding some behind-the-scenes stories (including numerous delays, “torture porn” vibes from Sam Levinson, and more).

#theweeknd #fyp #xo #coachella #doublefantasy #metroboomin #newmusic #weeknd Last year, the Weeknd and Swedish House Mafia co-headlined at the last minute when original headlining performer Kanye West dropped out. At the time, it was announced that production on “The Idol” had paused so that The Weeknd could do Coachella, but it was later revealed that the show was going through a complete creative overhaul even though, it was rumored, 80% of the show had already been shot.

Good afternoon Insiders, Max Goldbart here penning the weekly mailer a day after Cannes revealed its long-awaited lineup. Read on for all the details and plenty more, and sign up to the International Insider here.

Cannes chief Thierry Frémaux unveiled the bulk of the Official Selection for the 76th edition of the festival at a packed press conference in Paris on Thursday morning.

Stars are getting ready to walk the Croisette.

After weeks of speculation, Cannes Delegate General Thierry Frémaux confirmed Thursday morning that Sam Levinson’s Euphoria follow-up The Idol will screen out-of-Competition at the festival.

After weeks of speculation, Cannes Delegate General Thierry Frémaux confirmed Thursday morning that Sam Levinson’s Euphoria follow-up The Idol will screen out-of-Competition at the festival.

The Cannes Film Festival revealed the lineup for its 76th edition Thursday morning, and the Official Selection featured a record number of films directed by women filmmakers set to play in Competition.

Euphoria actor Barbie Ferreira has opened up about why she quit the hit HBO show.Speaking on the Armchair Expert podcast, Ferreira, who played Kat Hernandez in the show, spoke about her exit – something that was announced by the actor last August.Her exit followed reports of disagreements with show creator Sam Levinson during season two, as a result of the direction her character was taking.Speaking about her exit, Ferreira said: “So, for me, when people ask me about season two, it’s usually they come at me with, like, ‘I was some sort of victim to season two’ and I’m always like, ‘No, it’s okay, promise. It’s good,’” Ferreira said on the podcast. “I kind of got sucked into this drama that I never asked to be in and that I’ve never talked about.

Barbie Ferreira is opening up about her decision to exit HBO’s fan-favorite show ‘Euphoria.’ The 26-year-old Hollywood star, who played Kat Hernandez, is urging fans not to believe everything they read, and explained why she decided to exit the series at the top of its success. During a recent interview on the ‘Armchair Expert’ podcast, the actress revealed that she “got sucked into this drama” that she “never asked to be in.” Barbie revealed that she didn’t want to talk about her exit, however after it took “a life of its own,” she wanted to set the record straight.“Don’t believe everything you read,” she said, referring to the rumors about exiting the set of the show after a discussion. “I actually did not walk off set.

Barbie Ferreira is opening up about her exit from last year.Back in August, the 26-year-old actress, who played Kat Hernandez on the first two seasons of the HBO teen drama, announced on her Instagram Story that she would not be returning for the third season. «After four years of getting to embody the most special and enigmatic character Kat, I'm having to say a very teary-eyed goodbye,» Ferreira wrote. «I hope many of you could see yourself in her like I did and that she brought you joy to see her journey into the character she is today.»«I put all my care and love into her and I hope you guys could feel it,» she continued before she ended her announcement with a sweet message to her character.

Barbie Ferreira has offered more of an explanation behind her decision to leave HBO’s Euphoria after the second season.

Zack Sharf Digital News Director “Euphoria” actor Barbie Ferreira opened up on the “Armchair Expert” podcast about exiting the Emmy-winning HBO series ahead of Season 3. Ferreira announced last August that she was moving on from “Euphoria” and would no longer star as Kat Hernandez. Her exit followed reports that she clashed with “Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson during Season 2 due to the direction of her character. Fans noticed Kat’s storyline was sidelined in Season 2, and one rumor claimed she even walked off set during a fight with Levinson. “So, for me, when people ask me about Season 2, it’s usually they come at me with, like, I was some sort of victim to Season 2 and I’m always like, ‘No, it’s okay, promise. It’s good,'” Ferreira said on the podcast. “I kind of got sucked into this drama that I never asked to be in and that I’ve never talked about. I’m of the mindset that if it doesn’t exit I’m not going to address it because then I’m adding fuel to it. It’s taken on a life of its own. Don’t believe everything you read.”

, Barbie Ferreira is breaking her silence on her departure.“I don’t think there was a place for her to go,” she said of her character, Kat, on  of Armchair Expert with Dax Shepherd. “I think there were places she could have gone. I just don’t think it would have fit into the show. I don’t know if it was going to do her justice, and I think both parties knew that I really wanted to be able to not be the fat best friend.

Barbie Ferreira is opening up about her exit from last year.Back in August, the 26-year-old actress, who played Kat Hernandez on the first two seasons of the HBO teen drama, announced on her Instagram Story that she would not be returning for the third season. «After four years of getting to embody the most special and enigmatic character Kat, I'm having to say a very teary-eyed goodbye,» Ferreira wrote. «I hope many of you could see yourself in her like I did and that she brought you joy to see her journey into the character she is today.»«I put all my care and love into her and I hope you guys could feel it,» she continued before she ended her announcement with a sweet message to her character.

Euphoria‘s Barbie Ferreira is opening up about why she decided to leave HBO’s smash-hit show Euphoria after only 2 seasons.

“Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard” podcast where she explained why she really decided to leave, while also addressing “toxic” set accusations and her much-rumored feud with show runner Sam Levinson.The Queens native portrayed Kat Hernandez on the teen drama and noted that she was tired of playing into “fat best friend” stereotypes. She added that it was a “mutual decision” for her to leave the series before Season 3, explaining that Kat’s character arc had run its course.“I don’t think there was a place for her to go,” Ferreira said.

Euphoria quickly became the “it” show of HBO in 2019, and the series has only gotten bigger as time goes on.

It’s nearly time for the Cannes Film Festival to release the titles for this year’s edition and the 76th one overall. So are there any upcoming movies cinephiles may bet on as a sure thing on the Croisette this year? Outside of Hirokazu Kore-eda‘s “Monster,” not really.

Emily Longeretta Amid a bit of drama surrounding HBO’s “The Idol,” the Weeknd-led series is in talks to debut at the Cannes Film Festival in May, multiple sources confirm to Variety. Star Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye previously attended Cannes Film Festival and is hopeful the show premieres there, according to one source, but the festival has not yet screened the drama, which has undergone a great number of changes behind the scenes. HBO is not commenting at this time. Though primarily a film festival, a handful of TV series have been brought to Cannes in the past, including “Twin Peaks: The Return” and “Top of the Lake: China Doll.”

Jenna Ortega is excited about working with The Weeknd.

 claiming that the production of  is having issues, the show's stars, The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp, and HBO are speaking out in defense of the project.On Wednesday, released a lengthy article claiming that the series — helmed by 's Sam Levinson — has «gone wildly, disgustingly off the rails» with regard to chaotic scheduling, going over budget and last-minute script changes and overhauls on graphically violent and sexual scenes.In response, The Weeknd — whose real name is Abel Tesfaye — shot back at the report, sharing a clip from the series, in which The Weeknd's character — a cult leader and self-help guru named Tedros — slams magazine for being «irrelevant.»The Weeknd threw additional shade in the caption, writing, "@rollingstone did we upset you?"A post shared by The Weeknd (@theweeknd) editor-in-chief Noah Shachtman replied to The Weeknd's message with two recent covers featuring the artist, writing, «Not at all!» Not at all! https://t.co/jKuDh7xAHQpic.twitter.com/TgLkYvsG9nIn the scene, Tedros is cozied up with pop star Joceyln (Lily-Rose Depp), as her publicist (Dan Levy) pitches the idea of Joceyln doing a photo shoot for the magazine."? Aren't they a little irrelevant?" Tedros asks, before pulling out his phone to look at their Instagram. " has six million followers on Instagram, half of them probably bots.

The forthcoming HBO show The Idol is said to be “the sleaziest love story in all of Hollywood,” according to its very own promo push from late last summer. And considering its creators — Euphori