The Weeknd Makes His Film Debut with ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’
Renowned for his chart-topping hits and numerous accolades, The Weeknd is set to broaden his artistic horizons by stepping into the realm of cinematography. His inaugural feature film, titled “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” marks a significant transition from his musical career to acting.
From Music to Acting: A Passion Unveiled
Though The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, has captivated audiences with his music, he has stated that film has always been his primary passion. In his own words, “Cinema’s always kind of, for me, it’s always kind of been my number one passion. And then, I happened to sing and make music and it kind of felt like a little detour.” This new project aligns with his aspirations, showcasing a fictionalized version of himself in a musical thriller connected to his latest album of the same name.
A Story of Personal Struggles
The character portrayed by The Weeknd is an insomniac grappling with the pressures of fame and on the verge of a mental breakdown. His journey takes a pivotal turn when he encounters a character played by Jenna Ortega, who emphasized her excitement about collaborating with the artist. “That’s a true artist,” she remarked. “I was eager to have this experience.”
Inspiration Behind the Film
The plot draws heavily from a personal experience of The Weeknd, particularly an incident three years prior where he lost his voice mid-performance. This moment of vulnerability served as a catalyst for the film’s narrative. “I was juggling a million things… and it got to a point where, ‘oh my god, I can’t give them what they want, my voice is failing me,’” he recalled, highlighting the importance of self-reflection in his life.
Collaborative Artistry
Ortega’s experience during the filming process echoed the emotional themes of the movie. “I just had the most incredible time watching him, you know, be so vulnerable in this job,” she shared, remarking on the deep connection forged through their performances in the film.
What Lies Ahead for The Weeknd?
With the release of ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow,’ The Weeknd contemplates what this new chapter means for his persona. He stated, “I’ve said everything I can say as this person. And now it’s time for me to take that next step and this film was kind of like that guiding light for me.”
As he navigates this transition, fans eagerly await how The Weeknd’s exploration of cinema will influence his musical legacy.