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

After enduring a wave of harsh criticism for his acting debut in HBO’s The Idol, The Weeknd is now setting his sights on the big screen with a fresh new project. The multi-talented artist, born Abel Tesfaye, has just unveiled the first images from his upcoming film, Hurry Up Tomorrow, where he stars alongside acclaimed actors Barry Keoghan and Jenna Ortega. The film, directed by Trey Edward Shults, is being billed as a “musically driven psychological thriller” and is set to premiere on May 16.

At 34, The Weeknd is proving he’s not afraid to take creative risks. His transition from music to acting has been met with mixed reactions, but Hurry Up Tomorrow offers him a new opportunity to showcase his talents on screen. The film is not just a standalone project but part of a broader creative vision that ties into his sixth studio album, also titled Hurry Up Tomorrow. The album, which dropped alongside the film’s promotional material, features a blend of his signature dark, synth-heavy sounds with fresh collaborations, including tracks like Dancing in the Flames, Timeless (featuring Playboi Carti), and São Paulo (featuring Anitta).

The Weeknd’s decision to double down on both acting and music comes on the heels of his highly publicized return to the Grammys. After boycotting the awards for several years due to what he described as a lack of transparency and fairness, Tesfaye made a triumphant return, signaling a new chapter in his career. The simultaneous release of his album and film is a bold move that aligns with his evolving artistic narrative, blending visual storytelling with his musical vision.

With Hurry Up Tomorrow, The Weeknd seems poised to rewrite the narrative surrounding his acting chops, proving to audiences and critics alike that he is more than capable of holding his own in Hollywood. Fans are eagerly awaiting both the film and the new music, hoping this next venture will further cement his place as a multifaceted artist who thrives in the spotlight—whether on stage, in the studio, or on the silver screen.

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 takes on the enigmatic role of Anima in Hurry Up Tomorrow, recently shared insights into her character’s intriguing link to The Weeknd. “Anima is a version of Abel—a side of him that the persona ‘The Weeknd’ doesn’t show,” Ortega explained. Her character serves as a symbolic representation of the hidden layers beneath The Weeknd’s public image, promising a narrative rich with psychological depth.

Barry Keoghan, who plays The Weeknd’s manager in the film, also praised the musician’s commitment to his craft. “He pours everything into his art,” Keoghan said. “Watching him transition into filmmaking was inspiring. He approached every scene with a level of focus and passion that raised the bar for everyone on set.”

With Ortega’s complex character and Keoghan’s admiration for The Weeknd’s dedication, Hurry Up Tomorrow is shaping up to be a bold cinematic endeavor that could redefine the star’s place in Hollywood.

Can The Weeknd Redeem Himself?

After facing widespread criticism for his performance in HBO’s The Idol, The Weeknd is ready for a fresh start with his new film, Hurry Up Tomorrow. The upcoming psychological thriller, starring The Weeknd alongside Barry Keoghan and Jenna Ortega, offers him a chance to prove his doubters wrong and reshape his on-screen legacy.

The 34-year-old artist, born Abel Tesfaye, is not just bringing his acting skills to the project but is also integrating his musical talents. The film shares its name with his latest studio album, blending his dark, immersive sound with cinematic storytelling. The ambitious project signals The Weeknd’s commitment to exploring new artistic avenues, showing that he is not afraid to face challenges head-on.

Fans and critics alike are wondering whether Hurry Up Tomorrow will showcase a stronger, more refined performance from the star. With a talented cast and a visionary director like Trey Edward Shults at the helm, there is potential for a breakthrough moment.

As the May 16 premiere approaches, anticipation is building. The Weeknd’s supporters are hopeful for a redemption arc, while skeptics remain watchful. One thing is certain: all eyes will be on him when the curtain rises.