Weeknd says he has no interest in fame during Hurry Up Tomorrow film debut

Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, made his feature film debut at the New York premiere of Hurry Up Tomorrow, a psychological thriller inspired by his own on-stage experience. The screening took place on 13 May 2025 at AMC Lincoln Square 13 and marks his first major acting role.

Speaking to Variety on the red carpet, Tesfaye reflected on his complicated relationship with celebrity. “It can really be a full-time job and I just have no interest in that,” he said. “I think I’m good at hiding.”

The film dramatizes a 2022 moment when Tesfaye lost his voice in front of 80,000 fans at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Composer Nathon Salon, who was working behind the scenes at the time, recalled the panic and confusion backstage. Tesfaye later discovered that the incident stemmed from psychological stress, not a physical ailment a lesson he says shaped his performance. “Failure sucks, but don’t be scared of it,” he said. “That’s the best school.”

Directed by Waves filmmaker Trey Edward Shults, Hurry Up Tomorrow also stars Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan. Ortega, who plays Anima, reflected on how differently musicians experience fame. “They’re representing themselves,” she said. “People think they’re getting to know musicians for who they are.”

After the screening, the cast and guests gathered at the Boom Boom Room on the High Line. While Ortega posed for fan photos and Keoghan shared pictures of his son, Tesfaye held court at the DJ booth. Director Shults, observing the surreal environment, said he was struck by the care celebrities must take with every step — but noted their interactions with fans remained “very sweet and beautiful.”