Set Photos From Amy Seimetz's Original 'The Idol' Version Reveal What Could've Been

Before Sam Levinson stepped into the picture to helm HBO‘s The Idol, Amy Seimetz was set for the job. The controversial show has garnered mixed reviews with many critiquing the series with negative press even before its official release.

Now, new set images of the series from the original version of The Idol have surfaced, giving fans a glimpse of what could have been the direction of the show under the leadership and creative eye of Amy Seimetz. The original concept was reportedly set to be “a dark satire of fame and the fame model.”. A stark contrast from the now released series, the original images of the set seem to portray a bright and playful design glimpse, very different from the new version. In the tweet, Twitter user @thisisnotahmad states that the original version by Seimetz was meant to include a portion that references Jocelyn’s past as a child star. The user went on to point out that Levinson’s version never gave Jocelyn’s pop star moment an authentic backstory.

The new direction of the series was announced in April 2022 when Levinson took over for Seimetz. At the time, an HBO spokesperson released a statement and noted that the show would go in a “new creative direction” and that adjustments would be made amongst the “cast and crew accordingly to best serve this new approach.” Deadline reported that the show saw a “major creative overhaul” despite Seimetz finishing almost 80% of the series. It was alleged that The Weeknd did not approve of the show’s “female perspective.” Before the series’ release, The Idol was already receiving negative press over its alleged toxic work environment with even staff members comparing the show to “torture porn.” The show has ended with its five-episode first season and has yet to formally announce a second season.

amy seimetz’s version of the idol was going to include scenes that referenced jocelyn’s past as a child star.

one of the biggest flaws in sam levinson’s version was that jocelyn being a pop star never felt real or authentic so it would’ve been nice to see that fleshed out. pic.twitter.com/CsUinIWqmR

— a (@thisisnotahmad) July 3, 2023

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