Lionsgate has unveiled the first images from Hurry Up Tomorrow, an upcoming psychological thriller starring The Weeknd, Jenna Ortega, and Barry Keoghan. The film marks The Weeknd’s feature debut, both as an actor and co-writer, alongside director Trey Edward Shults and Reza Fahim. Set to hit theaters on May 16, the film expands on themes from The Weeknd’s latest studio album of the same name.
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The story follows a musician suffering from insomnia who is drawn into a surreal journey by a stranger, challenging his grip on reality. While details remain tightly under wraps, Shults has described The Weeknd’s role as deeply personal, portraying “a character that isn’t exactly him, but is honest to his soul and what he could have been if life had taken a different turn.” This suggests a psychological narrative rooted in self-exploration, with the film potentially mirroring struggles The Weeknd has previously expressed in his music.
Trey Edward Shults, known for Waves and It Comes at Night, brings his signature atmospheric tension to Hurry Up Tomorrow. His collaboration with The Weeknd and Fahim on the screenplay hints at a film that leans heavily on mood and introspection, likely blending stylized visuals with a hauntingly intimate narrative. Production duties are shared by The Weeknd, Fahim, Kevin Turen, and Harrison Kreiss, further signaling the artist’s deep creative investment in the project.
The film takes inspiration from The Weeknd’s recent album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, which was released last Friday. The album reportedly reflects on the artist’s struggles with mental and emotional exhaustion, particularly his highly publicized vocal loss in 2022, when he had to cancel a performance mid-show. If the film follows a similar trajectory, audiences can expect an introspective dive into themes of identity, disillusionment, and personal reckoning, set against a surreal backdrop.
Lionsgate’s first-look images offer glimpses of the film’s visual tone, teasing shadowy lighting and an enigmatic atmosphere. With Ortega and Keoghan on board, the cast adds further intrigue, both actors known for their ability to inhabit psychologically complex roles. Given the combination of Shults’ filmmaking style, The Weeknd’s immersive storytelling, and the film’s thematic ties to his music, Hurry Up Tomorrow is shaping up to be an unconventional cinematic experience.
