Canadian hitmaker The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, is stepping back into the world of cinema with his latest project, Hurry Up Tomorrow. The film, which shares its title with his upcoming album, is already generating buzz as the artist revealed the first stills and announced the star-studded cast. The trailer is set to drop this week, giving fans a glimpse of what promises to be a visually and narratively intriguing project.

The film features two of Hollywood’s most sought-after young talents: Jenna Ortega, known for her breakout role in Wednesday and her collaborations with Tim Burton, and Barry Keoghan, who gained critical acclaim for his performance in Saltburn. Both actors are joining The Weeknd on-screen, adding to the anticipation surrounding the project.

Hurry Up Tomorrow is written by The Weeknd himself, with co-writer Trey Edward Shultz contributing to the screenplay. The plot revolves around a famous musician struggling with insomnia, who finds himself drawn into a mysterious relationship with a stranger. The stranger’s existence, however, remains ambiguous, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. The film is scheduled for release on May 16, 2024.

This marks The Weeknd’s second venture into filmmaking. His first project, The Idol, created in collaboration with Euphoria showrunner Sam Levinson, starred Lily-Rose Depp and premiered in 2023. However, the series faced harsh criticism from both audiences and critics alike. It was accused of promoting sexism, featuring excessive nudity, and lacking a coherent script. Despite the backlash, The Weeknd remains undeterred, continuing to explore his passion for storytelling through film.

With Hurry Up Tomorrow, The Weeknd seems determined to redeem himself in the eyes of critics and fans. The involvement of rising stars like Ortega and Keoghan, coupled with the intriguing premise, suggests a more polished and ambitious effort this time around. As the countdown to the trailer begins, all eyes are on The Weeknd to see if he can successfully transition from chart-topping musician to acclaimed filmmaker.