The Weeknd Faces Brutal Backlash Over Acting Debut in Hurry Up Tomorrow—But He’s Not Backing Down

After facing harsh criticism for his acting in HBO’s The Idol, The Weeknd is giving the big screen a shot. The singer, born Abel Tesfaye, has just shared the first images from his film debut, Hurry Up Tomorrow, co-starring Barry Keoghan and Jenna Ortega.

The 34-year-old artist, who recently made his return to the Grammys after a long-standing boycott, has also dropped his sixth studio album of the same name. The music serves as the foundation for the film’s psychological thriller narrative.

A Dark and Twisted Journey

In Hurry Up Tomorrow, The Weeknd plays a musician battling insomnia. His life takes a drastic turn when a mysterious stranger, played by Ortega, pulls him into a psychological odyssey that unravels his very existence. The first-look images offer a glimpse into this intense storyline:

– One striking image captures The Weeknd in agony as Ortega gently cradles his face.

– Another showcases a haunting moment with Keoghan—while The Weeknd stares into a mirror, Keoghan leans in with his forehead pressed against him, hinting at a deep, possibly unsettling connection.

The film, directed and co-written by Trey Edward Shults, promises a gripping, introspective experience. It’s set to hit theaters on May 16, with a trailer expected to drop this week.

The Shadow of The Idol

Despite excitement for the new project, The Weeknd’s acting comeback has been met with skepticism. His role in The Idol was widely panned, with critics slamming his performance as “nonexistent.” The HBO series, in which he starred alongside Lily-Rose Depp, received a brutal 19% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many calling it “misogynistic” and “cringe-worthy.”

The backlash continues on social media:

– “How is The Weeknd still booking roles after that disaster?” one user questioned.

– “This is a choice… after The Idol?” another added sarcastically.

– “I love The Weeknd’s music, but his acting in The Idol was TERRIBLE. Not sure about this.”

– “Why does he keep trying to act? Have y’all not seen The Idol?”

However, some fans are defending his new venture:

– “We need to remember that The Idol was co-written by Sam Levinson. This film is The Weeknd’s own project—let’s wait for the trailer.”

– “He’s clearly passionate about film. Let’s hope this turns out better than The Idol.”

– “His acting wasn’t the problem. The writing was. Give this a chance.”

His struggles became the foundation for the story. After temporarily losing his voice in 2022

Co-Stars Speak Out

Jenna Ortega, who plays a mysterious force in the film, hinted at her character’s deeper connection to The Weeknd. “Anima is a version of Abel—a side of him that the persona ‘The Weeknd’ doesn’t show.”

Barry Keoghan, who portrays The Weeknd’s manager, praised his dedication: “He pours everything into his art. Watching him transition into filmmaking was inspiring.”

Can The Weeknd Redeem Himself?

With Hurry Up Tomorrow, The Weeknd aims to silence critics and redefine his acting career. Will this project prove his doubters wrong, or will it add another chapter to the controversy surrounding his on-screen performances?

Only time will tell. The countdown to May 16 has begun.