The Weeknd Stars In New Film “Hurry Up Tomorrow”

The Weeknd is stepping deeper into his film career with Hurry Up Tomorrow, a new psychological drama in which he takes the lead. Premiering Tuesday night in New York, the Lionsgate feature stars the artist,credited by his real name, Abel Tesfaye, as a fictional version of himself, a musician teetering on the edge who’s thrown into a surreal journey after a fateful encounter.

The project serves as both a film and a visual companion to his January album of the same name. Directed by Trey Edward Shults, Tesfaye praised the filmmaker at the premiere, saying, “I’ve been such a fan of and watching the film, the first cut, and praying that it fit in his body of work, luckily it does and I’m really proud of that because I’m a huge fan.”

Though Tesfaye previously suggested he may retire his stage name, the decision appears undecided. “We’re brainstorming it right now,” he explained on the carpet. “I haven’t dropped it yet because I’m on tour, so I’ve still gotta get out there and see the fans.”

Also starring in the film are Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan. Ortega arrived at the premiere wearing a nod to pop culture history—the same Christian Dior dress worn by Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. She described the film as intentionally elusive. “The whole point of the film is it’s supposed to be very enigmatic,” she said.

Ortega also reflected on how personal the filmmaking process was for Tesfaye and how she balanced that with her own vulnerability. As for her future behind the camera? “I really would [direct],” she said. “I want to be able to give all my time and effort in it… everything needs its due time.”

Hurry Up Tomorrow opens in theaters this Friday.