The Weeknd creates a horror film as part of his musical universe

The upcoming horror movie Hurry Up Tomorrow, created by The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), is generating great expectations as it prepares for its theatrical release on May 16, 2025. This film marks The Weeknd's feature-starring debut and is directed by Trey Edward Shults, known for his work on Waves and It Comes at Night. This horror story stars Jenna Ortega, the actress and it girl of today.

Hurry Up Tomorrow is described as a musically driven psychological thriller that intertwines with The Weeknd's sixth studio album of the same name, set to release on January 24, 2025. The film will feature a score that includes contributions from both The Weeknd and composer Daniel Lopatin.

The narrative of Hurry Up Tomorrow is expected to explore themes reflective of The Weeknd's artistic vision, likely incorporating elements of horror and psychological tension. The film is said to be set against the backdrop of a "eerie, psychedelic world," reminiscent of the aesthetic established in his previous projects like After Hours and Dawn FM.

Produced by Lionsgate, the film is part of a larger artistic trilogy that began with After Hours and continued with Dawn FM. This project aims to expand The Weeknd's creative expression beyond music into the realm of cinema, with Lionsgate's chairman describing it as a new cinematic experience for fans.

As anticipation builds for both the album and the film, fans are eager to see how The Weeknd's unique musical style will translate into a thrilling cinematic experience.

#The Weeknd's unique perspective

The Weeknd's decision to create a horror movie, Hurry Up Tomorrow, is deeply rooted in his long-standing fascination with the horror genre, which has been a significant influence throughout his music and visual storytelling.

The Weeknd has often cited iconic horror filmmakers such as John Carpenter, David Cronenberg, and Ridley Scott as major influences on his work. His early mixtapes, particularly House of Balloons, incorporated themes of horror and psychological tension, reflecting a narrative style that blends music with cinematic elements.

Collaborating with his creative team, The Weeknd engaged in making DIY horror films, which provided a foundation for his later artistic expressions. This background in creating horror narratives has informed the visual aesthetics of his music videos and performances.

The Weeknd embraces a storytelling approach that relies on symbolism rather than explicit narratives, drawing from the horror genre to explore themes of self-destruction, fame, and emotional turmoil. He has stated that he aims to avoid "spoon feeding" audiences, instead inviting them to interpret the deeper meanings behind his work.

His previous projects, such as the After Hours album and its associated haunted house attraction at Halloween Horror Nights, showcased his ability to merge music with horror concepts effectively. These experiences likely fueled his desire to delve deeper into the genre with a full-length film.

The Canadian artist incorporates horror elements into his live performances through a combination of visual storytelling, thematic design, and immersive experiences that reflect the darker aspects of his music.

The Weeknd's performances often feature cinematic visuals that evoke a sense of unease and psychological tension. For instance, his Super Bowl Halftime Show included a disorienting hall of mirrors sequence, which created an unsettling atmosphere reminiscent of horror films.

He frequently employs costumes and characters that embody horror tropes. This includes bandaged figures and grotesque characters inspired by his music videos, enhancing the eerie ambiance during live shows.

His live performances often integrate soundscapes that amplify the horror elements, using remixed tracks from his albums to create a heart-pounding backdrop. This auditory experience is crucial in setting the mood for the performance, making it feel like an extension of a horror film.

# Conclusion

The Weeknd's exploration of horror through Hurry Up Tomorrow can be seen as an extension of his artistic identity—one that combines music, visual art, and narrative storytelling. His passion for the genre not only shapes the thematic elements of his work but also reflects his personal experiences and artistic evolution within the realms of fame and self-identity.