The Weeknd's 'Hurry Up Tomorrow': 5 Shocking Details About His New Film With Jenna Ortega And Barry Keoghan

The Weeknd is making his definitive leap to the silver screen, and the details surrounding his new feature film are as dramatic and enigmatic as his music. This upcoming project, titled Hurry Up Tomorrow, is a psychological thriller that acts as a companion piece to his sixth studio album, cementing the artist's multi-platform storytelling ambitions. As of December 10, 2025, the film is one of the most anticipated and controversial releases of the new year, not least because of its stellar cast and the shadow of his previous, divisive TV series, The Idol.

The film marks Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye's first leading role in a feature film, co-starring with two of Hollywood's most sought-after young actors, Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan. Directed by indie auteur Trey Edward Shults, the movie is positioned as the final act of a long-running narrative chapter in The Weeknd's career, promising an existential odyssey that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, fame and madness. Early buzz and trailer reactions suggest a dark, intense, and potentially polarizing cinematic experience, prompting fans and critics alike to wonder if this is a redemption for his acting career or another "vanity project."

Abel Makkonen Tesfaye: The Weeknd's Biography and Acting Filmography

Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, known globally as The Weeknd, is a Canadian singer-songwriter, record producer, and actor. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential musical figures of his generation, recognized for his genre-bending sound and dark, cinematic visual aesthetic.

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• Born: February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
• Origin: Scarborough, Toronto.
• Musical Career Highlights: Multiple Grammy Awards, numerous chart-topping albums (e.g., After Hours, Starboy), and record-breaking singles like "Blinding Lights."
• Record Label: XO, Republic Records.

Key Acting & TV/Film Roles:

Tesfaye’s transition to acting and executive production has been a significant part of his recent career evolution, often incorporating his musical personas into his screen work.

• Uncut Gems (2019): His feature film debut, appearing as himself in a memorable cameo role opposite Adam Sandler.
• The Idol (2023): Co-creator, executive producer, and star (as Tedros) of the controversial HBO television series.
• The Simpsons (2022): Voice roles as Orion Hughes and Darius Hughes.
• Robot Chicken (2020): Voice role.
• Hurry Up Tomorrow (2025): First lead role in a feature film, playing a fictionalized version of himself.

The Dark Plot and Star-Studded Cast of 'Hurry Up Tomorrow'

The core concept of Hurry Up Tomorrow is a deep dive into the psyche of a global superstar, with Abel Tesfaye playing a fictionalized version of himself.

The film is described as a psychological thriller that follows the character on an "existential odyssey" through the dark, often isolating, reality of extreme fame. The narrative is heavily inspired by the themes and emotional landscapes of The Weeknd's music, particularly his latest album, which shares the same title. The plot explores the character's descent into a fragmented reality, dealing with the pressures of his public persona versus his true self.

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A Cast of Modern Hollywood Powerhouses

The film's casting has generated immense excitement, pairing The Weeknd with two of the most critically acclaimed young actors working today:

• Jenna Ortega: The star of Wednesday and the Scream franchise, Ortega's involvement brings a massive fan following and critical weight to the project. Her role's specifics remain tightly guarded, but she is expected to play a crucial, intense part in the psychological drama.
• Barry Keoghan: Known for his unsettling and transformative roles in films like Saltburn and The Banshees of Inisherin, Keoghan’s presence signals a commitment to high-calibre acting. His dynamic with Tesfaye’s character is anticipated to be a central, volatile element of the thriller.

The combination of Tesfaye’s star power and the acting pedigree of Ortega and Keoghan sets a high bar for the film's performance and critical reception. The narrative's pseudo-biographical contours, which blend the real-life experiences of a megastar with fictionalized, dark events, is a key element of the film's intrigue.

Behind the Camera: The Creative Team and Production Entities

To ensure the film had a strong cinematic foundation, The Weeknd partnered with an acclaimed director known for his intense, character-driven work. This choice suggests a serious attempt to move past the perceived stylistic issues of The Idol and deliver a compelling feature film.

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Director and Writing Team

The film is helmed by Trey Edward Shults, a director celebrated for his distinctive visual style and ability to craft unsettling atmospheres in films like the horror movie It Comes at Night and the critically praised drama Waves.

The screenplay was a collaborative effort, written by Shults, Abel Tesfaye, and his frequent creative partner, Reza Fahim. This joint writing credit underscores Tesfaye’s hands-on involvement in shaping the narrative and ensuring it aligns with the "final chapter" of his musical persona. Fahim is also a producer on the project, further solidifying the creative partnership.

Production and Distribution

The film's production was primarily handled by The Weeknd's own film and television company, Manic Phase, alongside Reza Fahim, the late Kevin Turen, and Harrison Kreiss. This independent production structure allowed the creative team significant control over the film's vision. The movie also credits Live Nation Productions as a production company.

In a major move, Lionsgate secured the worldwide theatrical distribution rights for Hurry Up Tomorrow, ensuring a wide release for the feature. This partnership is a strong indicator of the film's commercial potential and its positioning as a major cinematic event.

The Controversial Context: 'The Idol 2.0' and Early Reception

The shadow of The Idol, The Weeknd's polarizing HBO series, looms large over the anticipation for Hurry Up Tomorrow. Critics and audiences have drawn immediate comparisons, with some early reactions already labeling the film a "vanity project" and even "The Idol 2.0."

The key point of contention is the theme: both projects focus on the dark side of the music industry and feature Tesfaye in a central, controlling role. The film's premise—a fictionalized, troubled pop star—mirrors the themes that made The Idol controversial. However, the presence of Trey Edward Shults, a director known for his artistic depth and critical success, offers a glimmer of hope for a more focused and critically acclaimed result.

Despite the skepticism, the film is an essential piece of The Weeknd's multimedia strategy. The movie is set to be released on May 16, 2025, following the release of his album, which includes the US top-five single "Timeless." This synchronization of music and film is designed to create a comprehensive, immersive experience for his audience, potentially concluding the narrative arc that began with albums like After Hours and Dawn FM. The high-profile release by Lionsgate suggests that, regardless of the critical verdict, Hurry Up Tomorrow will be a major cultural talking point of 2025.