Jenna Ortega embodies ‘version’ of The Weeknd in new film “Hurry Up Tomorrow”

If you’re a The Weeknd fan, you’ve probably been impatient for tomorrow. That is in reference to the superstar’s acclaimed album and now upcoming film “Hurry Up Tomorrow.” The film is set to hit the big screen on May 16, 2025, with distribution from Lionsgate. With big names attached, such as Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye and Barry Keoghan, there’s one star currently taking over Hollywood, who is set to make a big impact.

Jenna Ortega in "Hurry Up Tomorrow" | Photo: Lionsgate

Jenna Ortega is known for her roles in the horror franchise “Scream” and the hit Netflix series “Wednesday.” She’s already made a big name for herself. Now she is set to star as Anima in the upcoming film “Hurry Up Tomorrow.” “It was my understanding while shooting that my character is a version of Abel,” Ortega told Entertainment Weekly. “A side of him that the persona The Weeknd doesn’t show as much.”

Although Ortega told Entertainment Weekly, she initially didn’t feel like she was right for the role, communication with Tesfaye and director, Trey Edward Shults, convinced her to give the project a chance. With production wrapped, Shults, had high praise for the young star. “She’s phenomenal in the film, and I don’t think we’ve ever seen a performance like this by her,” said Shults. “I was a fan, and she still shocked me with her talent and power.”

Tesfaye, who served as screenwriter, producer and star of the film, highlighted the depth Ortega brought to her character with Variety. “There was a scene where Trey and I looked at each other like ‘On paper, this is just ridiculous – how is it going to translate on screen?’,” said Tesfaye. “And she said, ‘I have an idea.’ She led that whole scene – none of it was rehearsed, and a lot of my reactions in it are not acting.”

Ortega also left with a positive experience on set. “The team on that project is really, really wonderful. And I think that, you know, sometimes you don’t really know how much you can say, but they’ve all been immensely collaborative and wanting to know my voice and my opinion,” Ortega told ET Canada in March 2023. “And that’s always a really wonderful feeling when you’re stepping onto a set for the first time.”

“Hurry Up Tomorrow” the film, will accompany the album of the same name. It tells an even deeper story of The Weeknd, someone Ortega described as a sweetheart. “Abel is such a sweetheart, and really looked out for everyone on our set,” Ortega told Variety. “It was so great getting to know him and help him bring his vision to life.”

Ortega will serve as an executive producer on the film.

Check out the trailer below: