Abel Tesfaye may be retiring The Weeknd and leaving music amid his transition to television.
The anticipated move, which is bound to come as a shock to his supporters and music fans alike, follows Abel’s debut in the music industry in 2009, after which he released award-winning singles such as Blinding Lights, Starboy, The Hills, Save Your Tears and many more.
In the upcoming month, he will premiere his first TV series, The Idol, which will star Lily-Rose Depp as Jocelyn, an aspiring pop sensation who tries to restore her career after having a breakdown by becoming involved with a cult leader, who is played by Tesfaye.
During an interview with W Magazine, The Weeknd hinted at leaving music behind as his debut on the big screen approaches.
“The album I’m working on now is probably my last hurrah as The Weeknd. This is something that I have to do. As The Weeknd, I’ve said everything I can say,” he told the outlet.
He continued by saying that while he might continue to release songs “as Abel, or perhaps The Weeknd,” he still plans to “kill” the stage name.
He added, “And I will. Eventually. I’m definitely trying to shed that skin and be reborn.”
According to Rolling Stone, the series, co-created by Tesfaye, Reza Fahim, and Sam Levinson, would see the former create the soundtrack while the filming process is being revamped. According to reports, significant changes have been made to the screenplay, with director Amy Seimetz leaving the project and Levinson taking over as showrunner.
During Tesfaye’s interview with W Magazine, discussed concerns about the project not meeting his high standards, saying: “Film and TV is a new creative muscle for me. I don’t release my music until I think it is great. Why would this be any different?”
Amid the hoopla regarding the show’s fate, HBO told Metro.co.uk:
“The creators and producers of The Idol have been working hard to create one of HBO’s most exciting and provocative original programs. The initial approach on the show and production of the early episodes, unfortunately, did not meet HBO standards so we chose to make a change.
“Throughout the process, the creative team has been committed to creating a safe, collaborative, and mutually respectful working environment, and last year, the team made creative changes they felt were in the best interest of both the production and the cast and crew. We look forward to sharing The Idol with audiences soon.”
Education: Computer Network Engineering, Computer Desktop Administration
Fave Song: Destiny's Child 'Dangerously in love'
Fave Colour: Grey.
With £1m what would you do: I would do my part to provide opportunities to the less fortunate. Then do my best to change the world in my own way through sports and talent building.
