The Weeknd, known for his haunting sound and evocative visuals, is now expanding his artistry into film. His psychological thriller Hurry Up Tomorrow has officially secured a distribution deal with Lionsgate, bringing his cinematic vision to theaters around the world.
The film Hurry Up Tomorrow serves as an extension of The Weeknd’s forthcoming album of the same name and marks his feature film debut. The Weeknd will not only star in the film but also co-compose its score with Daniel Lopatin. The cast includes Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan, promising an intense performance lineup alongside The Weeknd’s musical expertise.
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson expressed excitement about the project: “Abel is a visionary whose art cannot be confined by any single medium. With Hurry Up Tomorrow, in partnership with director Trey Edward Shults, his musical universe expands onto the big screen with a psychological thriller that will usher in a new cinematic experience for fans. We are thrilled to be bringing it to audiences worldwide.”
A Trilogy Completed
The upcoming album Hurry Up Tomorrow is set to be the final installment of a trilogy that began with After Hours (2020) and continued with Dawn FM (2022). Through these albums, The Weeknd has explored themes of time, fame, and self-discovery. He announced the album with a poetic statement that hints at deep introspection:
“Yesterday was 14 years ago… We held our breath, falling into a shimmering sea in the after hours of the night… Attempted to cleanse the wounds with melodies and lights, a bulletproof bandage to shield what lies beneath,” he said. “In a place where the seasons never changed, where time ceased to exist. But therein lies the problem. Today has felt like an endless spin. I keep distorting the truth, immune to the dizziness, numb to the nausea. What lies beneath — screams in silence.”
This artistic journey reflects the growing complexity of The Weeknd’s persona, as he confronts past traumas, self-reflection, and personal transformation.
Hinting at a New Chapter
In interviews, The Weeknd has hinted that Hurry Up Tomorrow may be his last album under the name that made him famous. Speaking to W magazine, he shared, “I’m going through a cathartic path right now. It’s getting to a place and a time where I’m getting ready to close the Weeknd chapter. I’ll still make music, maybe as Abel, maybe as The Weeknd. But I still want to kill The Weeknd. And I will. Eventually.”
He added, “The album I’m working on now is probably my last hurrah as The Weeknd. This is something that I have to do. As The Weeknd, I’ve said everything I can say.”
The film and album’s release will close out an era for The Weeknd, whose impact on music has been nothing short of transformative. Hurry Up Tomorrow promises to provide fans with a unique cinematic and auditory experience while signaling the end of a significant chapter in his career.
