HBO pushes boundaries in its original programming, but its latest drama, “The Idol,” is causing controversy like no other. (It was the subject of a Rolling Stone exposé, after all). However, despite the mixed press and production issues ahead of the show’s premiere, “The Idol” remains one of the buzziest shows in recent memory—a factor attracting audiences and actors alike.
Do you have the talent to take center stage alongside the program’s eclectic cast? In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about getting cast on “The Idol.”
JUMP TO
- What is ‘The Idol’ about?
- Who is in the cast of “The Idol”?
- Who is the casting director for ‘The Idol’?
- How does the casting process work for ‘The Idol’?
- When does filming for ‘The Idol’ Season 2 start?
- Where can you find ‘The Idol’ casting calls and auditions?
- What are the best audition tips for landing a role on “The Idol”?
Created by Sam Levinson (the mastermind behind “Euphoria”), Reza Fahim, and The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), “The Idol” follows Jocelyn, a distressed pop star (played by Lily-Rose Depp) trying to make a comeback in Hollywood. After suffering a nervous breakdown that led to the cancellation of her previous tour, Jocelyn finds herself at the mercy of Tedros (played by The Weeknd), an enigmatic self-help guru and cult leader. He promises to help Jocelyn reclaim her career, but perhaps through wrong choices.
Season 1 of “The Idol” features an exciting mix of industry veterans and newcomers, including:
- Lily-Rose Depp as Jocelyn
- The Weeknd as Tedros
- Suzanna Son as Chloe
- Troye Sivan as Xander
- Rachel Sennott as Leia
- Moses Sumney as Izaak
- Jane Adams as Nikki
- Jennie Kim as Dyanne
- Hari Nef as Talia
- Da’Vine Joy Randolph as Destiny
- Hank Azaria as Chaim
You can also expect to see Dan Levy (“Schitt’s Creek”), Elizabeth Berkley (“Saved by the Bell”), and the late Anne Heche (“Psycho”) in featured yet unnamed roles.
Mary Vernieu and Bret Howe of Betty Mae Casting, Jessica Kelly of Chrystie Street Casting, and Jennifer Venditti are the show’s casting directors. They also cast HBO’s longstanding hit drama “Euphoria” and are known to pull both big-name talent and fresh faces. Vernieu, especially, likes to look for talent everywhere.
“I think I drive everyone crazy,” Vernieu told us. “I’ll see someone on a commercial, and I’ll say, ‘Find that person.’ Or I’ll see someone on the street, and I will go up to them if they’re exactly right and I’m really needing that role—especially with kids…. I try to see everything I can, whether it’s a play or a TV show or movie. I try to make sure that I’m really current.” Sounds like even the most minute role could become a foot in the door!
Lily-Rose Depp knows her last name lends itself to the “nepo baby” discourse, but the up-and-coming actor had to endure the same audition process as anyone else to earn the titular role. Conducted during the pandemic, Depp told Elle she submitted a self-tape, auditioned via Zoom, and did a chemistry read with her eventual leading man, The Weeknd, to secure the part. According to Billboard, Depp landed the role by singing an acapella version of Peggy Lee’s 1950s classic “Fever.”
“I did not think at all that [the audition] was going to go my way. I know that everybody and their mother goes in for these things,” she told Elle. “I’ll never forget getting that call. I still have all these pinch-me moments all the time. I can’t believe they wanted me to do it.”
But what can someone who doesn’t have an A-list father expect when auditioning for someone like Mary Vernieu? Well, you can find comfort in knowing that first impressions aren’t everything.
“I’m big about giving people another shot. I’ll always see someone again,” Vernieu told Backstage. “People are growing every day as actors; they’re learning every day. It’s all about seeing the potential in someone, and they’re maybe not going to be exactly right for the part, but if they’re a good actor and they’re working hard, I try to recognize and reward that by continuing to bring them back until we can find something that they’re right for.”
Ultimately, Vernieu seeks actors with a positive attitude who are willing to put in the work. “[But] I always say leave the work in the room, because there are a million reasons why someone doesn’t get a part, and a lot of times it doesn’t have anything to do with them,” she added. “I think it’s important to maintain a positive attitude. It’s rough out there, and you just have to keep at it; the right thing will come along if you’re working hard and trying.”
“The Idol” hasn’t been renewed for a Season 2 just yet. But Da’Vine Joy Randolph (Destiny) believes there’s more ahead for these characters. “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,” she said during the show’s Hollywood premiere. Will her predictions become reality? Check back here for updates—especially after Season 1 premieres on June 4. Most HBO shows get the green light for a second season shortly after the first few episodes debut.
While we wait for news about “The Idol” Season 2, we have several other projects casting now that remind us of the upcoming drama. HBO, Netflix, and various other streaming services are also always looking for actors to join a slew of new projects. Not sure you have what they’re looking for? Check out our guides on how to audition for HBO, Netflix, Starz, and Showtime so you can bring your A-game to any potential casting call that comes your way.
Make room for mistakes: As someone who has been in the business for decades, Hank Azaria (Chaim) no longer needs to audition. Even so, Azaria now applies the lessons he learned during his early years to the roles he tackles to this day, and that includes allowing himself to mess up. “It’s OK to make mistakes—it’s OK to just come in and do my best…. I spent a lot of my early career chasing perfection. Chasing excellence is a good thing to do, but perfection really doesn’t exist,” Azaria shared in an interview with us. “The thing about film acting you realize as you go along is that you only need a bit of each take to be good, so you’re better off trying different things and having fun and keeping it fresh than trying to recreate one perfect take over and over again. A mistake might lead to something great or something different anyway.”
Commit to your dreams: Acting isn’t an easy endeavor, but those who actively pursue their dream have an advantage over those who don’t have the drive. As Dan Levy (Jocelyn’s publicist) said, follow-through makes all the difference in the entertainment industry, as it sets the doers apart from the dreamers. “If you don’t follow through with something, you will have nothing—you will physically have nothing.… So many people don’t have follow-through, that if you can get something done—either write something, or if you can continue to audition and never give up—it’s the follow-through that will ultimately put you ahead,” he explained. “It’ll put you out in front because a lot of people don’t have follow-through and to be able to have something, whether it’s audition experience, a pilot, a movie script, to be able to have something is invaluable.”
Learn to take direction: Mary Vernieu understands that actors often enter the audition room with a plan in mind, but as she once noted, one must be flexible, too. “I try to let an actor have as much freedom as they need to get to where they want to be artistically. But if the casting director in the room is saying to you, ‘Could you just do it this way?,’ there’s a reason why: The producers are asking for something in particular,” she said. “Don’t argue. Sometimes, people get a little bit set on the way they’ve prepared it, and they need to be able to be flexible once they’re in the room.” Knowing how to incorporate feedback and apply notes could mean the difference between acceptance and rejection.