Renowned musician The Weeknd, also known as Abel Tesfaye, has delved into the realm of acting with his role as Tedros in the HBO series ‘The Idol.’
The Weeknd shares insights into portraying villainous ‘Tedros’
Exploring the convergence of music and drama, Tesfaye aimed to fully embody the despicable nature of his character, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
After the release of the first two episodes, “Pop Tarts & Rat Tales” and “Double Fantasy,” the artist’s commitment to his acting craft is evident.
Recognised for his perfectionism in the music industry, The Weeknd transferred this approach to his collaboration with show creator Sam Levinson in crafting the world of ‘The Idol.’
Drawing upon his experiences as a superstar, Tesfaye not only shaped his character but also supported his co-star, Lily-Rose Depp, in her portrayal of Jocelyn (Joss), a singer seeking validation after a tragic loss.
In an interview with Complex, Tesfaye emphasised his intention to avoid romanticising Tedros or presenting him as an appealing character, as often seen with notorious figures like serial killers.
By incorporating distinct elements such as a rattail, a lack of fashion sense, and a disturbing voice, the artist aimed to unequivocally establish Tedros as a repulsive personality from the outset. “He’s a f*****g scumbag,” asserted Tesfaye.
While the explicit scenes between Tedros and Jocelyn have sparked some controversy, The Weeknd clarified that their purpose was never to be erotic, but rather to evoke discomfort.
He reassured audiences that great care was taken to ensure the comfort and safety of all involved during the filming process.
Tesfaye expressed his profound attachment to ‘The Idol,‘ referring to it as “a labour of love.”
In contrast to musicians who may approach acting roles casually, he immersed himself fully in the story, character development, and relationships with his co-stars.
Despite any criticism, The Weeknd firmly believes in the show’s potential and eagerly anticipates the audience witnessing the unfolding of his character as the series progresses.
As ‘The Idol‘ continues to captivate audiences, Tesfaye’s portrayal of Tedros is a testament to his versatility as an artist. Although primarily recognised for his musical talents, the artist has proven his commitment to exploring new artistic avenues, demonstrating a multifaceted career that continues to evolve.
How to watch ‘The Idol’ in South Africa
New episodes of ‘The Idol‘ air every Sunday on HBO, delving deeper into the gripping world created by The Weeknd and Sam Levinson.
Unfortunately, this streaming service is not available in South Africa. This, however, does not mean that you can’t tune into the show.
The simplest way to avoid missing out on the show is to subscribe to a well-reputed virtual private network (VPN). This software hides your computer’s IP address and cloaks it with a mask that tricks the browser into thinking that the request comes from another location.
In essence, a VPN can make a browser think your connection is pinging from the United States, from the comfort of your basement in Cape Town, South Africa.
With a reputed VPN subscription activated, South Africans can download and sign up to HBO Max for a maximum monthly premium of R205 ($14.99).