Lily-Rose Depp is not backing down from her love for *The Idol*, a series that stirred considerable controversy during its run.
Even a year after its cancellation, the actress remains steadfast in her support for the show and its provocative themes.
In a recent interview with *Vanity Fair*, the 25-year-old star expressed no regrets about her role alongside Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye in the HBO drama, which concluded in August 2023 after just one season.
“I genuinely love it,” she affirmed.
The series chronicles the tumultuous journey of a rising pop star, portrayed by Depp, as she gets entangled with a self-help guru and nightclub owner, played by Tesfaye.
Depp acknowledged that *The Idol* wouldn’t resonate with everyone.
“We were always aware that some viewers might find it overwhelming or simply not to their taste,” she remarked.
Yet, she stands firmly by the creative choices made during production.
“We embraced our vision and went all in,” she added.
The actress also shared her excitement about engaging with fans who appreciated the series.
“When someone approaches me and says, ‘I love The Idol,’ it feels amazing!
I appreciate that they understand what we were trying to convey,” she said.
“It’s perfectly fine if the show isn’t for everyone; that diversity of opinion is part of its charm.”
Reflecting on her time working on the show, Depp described it as a significant period of personal growth.
“Creating this series was transformative for me,” she revealed.
“I learned so much about myself and honed skills like dancing and singing that I had never explored before.
It was a real opportunity for development, and I look back at that experience with pride.”
Despite its explicit content and the buzz surrounding its provocative scenes, *The Idol* faced harsh criticism from various quarters, including a scathing exposé by *Rolling Stone*.
Critics labeled it as among the worst shows ever produced, with publications like *The Guardian* voicing their disappointment.
Depp admitted that the backlash was hard to ignore but emphasized her preparedness for it.
“We anticipated that our themes would spark debates, but we knew what we were getting into,” she explained.
“When people reacted strongly, we simply chuckled.
We were pushing boundaries intentionally.”
Interestingly, Depp doesn’t take negative feedback too personally.
“I enjoy taking risks and diving into projects that may not appeal to mainstream tastes,” she confessed.
“Ultimately, you pour your heart into a project, but once it’s out there, you have no control over how it’s received.
I’m not one to dwell on social media reactions.”
Even with the mixed reviews, Depp expressed a desire to return for another season, stating, “I would have loved the chance to collaborate with Sam again and dive deeper into my character.” She reminisced fondly, saying, “This role represented the woman I dreamed of becoming as a child, embodying that femme fatale fantasy.”
In a previous appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, Depp articulated her belief that her character, Jocelyn, encapsulated the essence of performance in every aspect of her life.
“Her style and demeanor are constantly conveying messages and emotions,” she explained, adding that the character’s physical vulnerability mirrored her emotional depth.
Sam Levinson, the co-creator of *The Idol*, echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the show’s boldness might have been misinterpreted.
“Sometimes revolutionary ideas can be perceived as excessive,” he noted, emphasizing the s**ual nature of contemporary culture.
For those eager to catch up on the controversial series, *The Idol* is available for streaming on Max.
Despite the chatter surrounding it, Depp’s unwavering affection for the project is clear, showcasing her commitment to artistic expression even amidst dissent.
Read more
