The Weeknd‘s new HBO present is getting dragged after a report urged the manufacturing is in shambles — however sources inform TMZ issues are literally fairly the other, and Abel’s really fairly happy.

Manufacturing sources for “The Idol” — which has been a piece in progress for almost 2 years now — inform TMZ that the Rolling Stone story that got here out Wednesday about “Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson‘s involvement is just not a good illustration of how the lead star of the sequence feels … which we’re instructed is optimistic and grateful.

Our sources inform us that no one who talked to RS — upwards of 13 sources, they declare — has seen the ultimate product … regardless of reviews of reshoots involving oversexualized and/or “torture porn” scenes that includes Lily-Rose Depp and Abel, amongst different forged members.

In different phrases, we’re instructed to recommend these scenes are going to make it within the last reduce is deceptive.

Truth is … we’re instructed Levinson was introduced on to interchange OG director Amy Seimetz for a purpose — and that he has crafted an grownup story with mature components … what Abel and present creators had envisioned from the start.

Our sources say The Weeknd and others felt the present was not in a very good place earlier than SL got here aboard to “proper the ship” — which we’re instructed a majority of the forged/crew really feel he did with success, regardless of how edgy among the materials they might have shot has been to this point.

As RS notes of their piece, Levinson fully redid Amy’s work … bringing on new actors — like Dan Levy, Hank Azaria and Jennie from BLACKPINK — spliced in a brand new script with a special approach and employed a extra sturdy taking pictures schedule too … which our sources insist have elevated the artwork and which can make for a greater product when it lastly hits the service.

There’s additionally a significant false impression, we’re instructed, about an alleged notion that Weeknd felt the OG model of “The Idol” was too targeted on a feminine perspective … which is one thing that was floated in Rolling Stone. We’re instructed he does not really feel that manner in any respect — if something, the entire present is a few lady who needs to manage her personal narrative in showbiz.

One other factor … our sources say the declare that the price range hit near $80 million is “nowhere close to” correct. In different phrases, the reshoots weren’t that costly.

As for Lily-Rose, she says … “Sam is, for therefore many causes, one of the best director I’ve ever labored with. By no means have I felt extra supported or revered in a inventive house, my enter and opinions extra valued. Working with Sam is a real collaboration in each manner – it issues to him, greater than something, not solely what his actors take into consideration the work, however how we really feel performing it. He hires folks whose work he esteems and has at all times created an setting through which I felt seen, heard, and appreciated.” That backs The Weeknd’s view.

HBO themselves have weighed in too, confirming the unique course “The Idol” was getting in wasn’t as much as their requirements, and that they are proud of the place Levinson’s taken it up to now.