Any lingering controversy over a show that was described in some easily offended corners as “torture porn” was set aside when The Idol received a red carpet reception worthy of any Hollywood blockbuster at the 76th annual Cannes Film Festival.
The first two to three episodes of the HBO series are being screened out of competition on the French Riviera, and leading lady Lily-Rose Depp was on hand to drink in the applause as she walked the Croisette on Monday night – just days after her return father to the acting herd on the same boardwalk was confirmed.
The model and actress were joined by co-star The Weeknd, aka Canadian star Abel Tesfaye, while former Victoria’s Secret model Stella Maxwell and the ever-outrageous Julia Fox made it another memorable night in the South of France .
Lily-Rose, 23, loomed suitably glamorous in a form-fitting black mini dress with an off-the-shoulder detail and thigh-skimming hem as she posed for photos alongside The Weeknd in a tuxedo at the annual ceremony.
The model and actress, who plays fictional up-and-coming pop star Jocelyn in the new series, added to the look with black sheer tights and matching stiletto heels, while statement earrings proved to be her only standout accessory.
Side by side: Lily-Rose Depp was joined by co-star The Weeknd as the 76th Cannes Film Festival welcomed their new HBO show The Idol on Monday night
In attendance: Former Victoria’s Secret model Stella Maxwell (L) and the ever-scandalous Julia Fox (R) made it another memorable evening in the South of France
Taking center stage: (L-R) Director Sam Levinson, Lily-Rose Depp and Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye posed for photos as they made their way down the red carpet at the annual ceremony
Model Stella turned heads in a dramatic black metallic dress with several cutouts held together with safety pins.
She put on a leggy display in the glamorous garment donning a bold thigh-high slit and eye-catching feathered train that flowed behind her as she walked.
Stella turned up the heat as she elevated her long body into a pair of sky-high heels and parted her long blonde locks from a voluminous side parting.
Meanwhile, Julia made a huge impression on the star-studded red carpet when she opted for a one-of-a-kind makeup palette that included a pale white face, bold black lipstick and neat winged eyeliner.
The actress coordinated her dress with her makeup as she posed up a storm in a sheer white figure hugging a cowl neck dress that boasted a giant train and gloves.
She styled her long brunette locks into stylish wet-look waves as they flowed down her back as she posed for snaps.
Making a solo appearance was Kylie Jenner’s ex Travis Scott looking like a black hoodie under an oversized matching blazer and pants.
The rapper kept casual in a pair of trainers that he did not lace up and opted for stylish sunglasses.
German model and influencer Leonie Hanne looked nothing short of sensational in a strapless dress that featured a sheer midriff section before ending in a ruffled skirt.
The blonde beauty added a spectacular matching feather jacket, which she wore off her shoulders as she posed at the premiere.
Showing off her toned legs through a big front slit, she added inches to her body in a pair of strappy silver heels.
Leonie completed her stunning ensemble by pulling back her long locks from a center part in a neat updo and applying a flawless makeup palette to accentuate her beauty.
The event comes in the wake of a Rolling Stone report in which insiders claimed the show had been completely rewritten and reshot with new scenes, described as “sexual torture porn.”
Directed in its entirety by Euphoria creator Sam Levinson, the series isn’t the first series to premiere out of competition at the festival, though it’s a departure from previous examples.
The series Top Of The Lake, directed by Oscar winner Jane Campion, and Twin Peaks: The Return, directed by David Lynch, both premiered at Cannes, but those filmmakers are regulars at the festival and both won the top prize, the Palm d Or in the past, with Campion winning for 1993’s The Piano and Lynch winning for 1990’s Wild At Heart.
Deadline previously reported that actress and acclaimed filmmaker Amy Seimetz directed almost the entire series before leaving the project.
The Weekend, a co-creator and executive producer, was reportedly unhappy with the show’s creative direction.
He reportedly thought it had too much of a “female perspective,” and sources claimed he wanted the show to focus more on his character rather than Depp’s character.
Levinson then took over as director, but instead of finishing the show and doing some reshoots, he reshot the entire series.
Red Rocket actress Suzanna Son was part of the original version of the show, but did not return for the new version.
However, insiders told Rolling Stone they were concerned about the extensive rewrites Levinson did, which included graphic sex scenes.
An insider said, “It was like, ‘What is this? What am I reading here? It was like sexual torture porn.'”
However, sources also said that the quoted insiders had not seen the final cut of the show and that the most controversial scenes in the script might not make it into the final cut.
While much of the criticism of the show’s new, darker tone seemed to revolve around Depp’s character, she defended Levinson and the show’s current state in a statement to E! News.
“Sam is the best director I’ve ever worked with for so many reasons. Never have I felt more supported or respected in a creative space, more valued for my input and opinions,” she said.
“Working with Sam is a real collaboration in every way – the most important thing to him is not just what his actors think of the work, but how we feel when we perform it.”
Sources also denied claims in the Rolling Stone article that the show’s budget had jumped to $80 million, saying the reshoots weren’t nearly as expensive while speaking to TMZ.