The Weeknd isn’t known for showering praise lightly. But when it comes to his “The Idol” co-stars Barry Keoghan and Jenna Ortega, the pop superstar is effusive in his admiration. Word on the street is, The Weeknd sees something truly special in these rising stars, something that elevates their performances to an intoxicating new level.
Star Power
Jenna Ortega’s Breakout Moment
Jenna Ortega is experiencing a career surge, propelled by her captivating performance in the 2024 box office smash “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” This success sets the stage for an even more impressive 2025, with Ortega starring in multiple high-profile projects, including “Hurry Up Tomorrow” alongside The Weeknd and Barry Keoghan. The young actress’s talent and versatility have cemented her position as a rising star in Hollywood.
Barry Keoghan’s Talent
Barry Keoghan, known for his nuanced performances in critically acclaimed films like “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” and “The Batman,” further solidifies his position as a compelling and versatile actor in “Hurry Up Tomorrow.” Keoghan’s ability to portray complex and often unsettling characters with depth and sensitivity is sure to add another layer of intrigue to the upcoming thriller.
The Weeknd’s Vision
The Weeknd, a global music icon, is venturing into the world of film with “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” a project deeply rooted in his musical artistry. His co-writing of the screenplay and collaborations with talented actors like Ortega and Keoghan demonstrate his ambition to translate his creative vision into a compelling cinematic experience. This project marks The Weeknd’s debut feature film and promises to be a significant step forward in his artistic evolution.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
The Weeknd’s Praise for Ortega
In a recent interview with Morningpicker, The Weeknd expressed profound admiration for Ortega’s performance, stating, “Jenna brought so much depth to the character. 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?’ 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.” This effusive praise highlights Ortega’s improvisational talent and ability to bring unexpected dimensions to her roles.
The Director’s Perspective
Terry Edward Shults, known for his atmospheric and critically acclaimed films “It Comes At Night” and “Waves,” directs “Hurry Up Tomorrow.” Shults’s distinctive style, characterized by his ability to build suspense and explore complex human emotions, aligns perfectly with the thriller genre. His previous work suggests a unique and thought-provoking cinematic experience for audiences.
The Collaboration
The synergy between The Weeknd’s musical vision, Ortega’s acting prowess, Keoghan’s talent, and Shults’s directorial expertise promises a dynamic and compelling collaboration. This unique blend of creative forces suggests a film that transcends genre expectations and delivers a truly memorable cinematic experience.
The Future of “Hurry Up Tomorrow”
Anticipation and Expectations
The buzz surrounding “Hurry Up Tomorrow” is palpable. The combination of The Weeknd’s musical talent, the captivating performances of Ortega and Keoghan, and Shults’s directorial skill has generated considerable anticipation among fans and critics alike. With its May 16, 2025, release date approaching, the film is poised to be a major event in the cinematic landscape.
The Weeknd’s Musical Journey: From Music to Movies
The Weeknd’s Artistic Evolution:
The Weeknd’s music career has been a subject of fascination for fans and critics alike. Born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, The Weeknd’s musical influences are rooted in R&B, hip-hop, and electronic music. His early work was characterized by dark, atmospheric soundscapes and introspective lyrics, which resonated with a generation of young listeners.
Over the years, The Weeknd has evolved his sound, incorporating elements of pop, rock, and soul into his music. His signature style is marked by his soulful, raspy vocals and his ability to craft infectious, atmospheric hooks. Collaborations with artists such as DaHeala, Doc McKinney, and Ben Billions have further refined his sound, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in contemporary R&B.
The Weeknd’s lyrics often focus on themes of love, relationships, and existential crises. His music is a reflection of his own experiences, as well as those of his generation. Songs like “The Hills” and “Earned It” showcase his ability to craft raw, emotional narratives that resonate with listeners.
Themes and Lyrics:
One of the most striking aspects of The Weeknd’s music is its thematic focus on the complexities of love and relationships. His songs often grapple with the darker aspects of desire, exploring themes of obsession, addiction, and heartbreak.
Lyrically, The Weeknd’s music is characterized by its honesty and vulnerability. His songs often feel like confessional diaries, with The Weeknd laying bare his own emotions and experiences. This approach has helped to build a loyal fan base, who appreciate his unflinching candor and emotional authenticity.
Critical Acclaim and Commercial Success:
The Weeknd’s music has been widely praised by critics, with many considering him one of the most innovative and influential artists of his generation. Albums like “Beauty Behind the Madness” and “Starboy” have been certified platinum, and singles like “The Hills” and “Can’t Feel My Face” have topped the charts.
Commercially, The Weeknd has been incredibly successful, with over 100 million records sold worldwide. His ability to craft catchy, radio-friendly hits has helped to establish him as a major force in the music industry.
The Transition to Film:
The “Blinding Lights” Effect:
The Weeknd’s foray into film has been facilitated by the success of his music. His hit single “Blinding Lights” was a global phenomenon, topping the charts in over 30 countries and spawning numerous remixes and covers. The song’s success helped to establish The Weeknd as a major force in the music industry, paving the way for his film ventures.
The “Blinding Lights” effect has been felt in the film industry, with many considering The Weeknd a major talent to watch. His ability to craft atmospheric, visually-driven music videos has prepared him well for the demands of filmmaking, and his experience working with top directors and producers has given him a unique perspective on the art of storytelling.
Visual Storytelling:
The Weeknd’s music videos and live performances have been praised for their innovative storytelling and visual style. His ability to craft immersive, atmospheric worlds has helped to establish him as a major force in the music industry, and his experience working with top directors and producers has given him a unique perspective on the art of storytelling.
Visual storytelling is a key aspect of filmmaking, and The Weeknd’s experience in this area has prepared him well for the demands of the medium. His ability to craft compelling narratives and atmospheres has helped to establish him as a major talent to watch, and his experience working with top directors and producers has given him a unique perspective on the art of storytelling.
A New Creative Outlet:
The Weeknd’s transition into film has been motivated by a desire to explore new creative outlets and push the boundaries of his art. As an artist, he is constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities to express himself, and film has provided him with a unique platform to do so.
From a creative standpoint, film allows The Weeknd to explore new themes and ideas in a more immersive and engaging way. His experience working with top directors and producers has given him a unique perspective on the art of storytelling, and his ability to craft compelling narratives and atmospheres has helped to establish him as a major talent to watch.
The Weeknd’s Co-Stars in “Hurry Up Tomorrow”:
Barry Keoghan:
Barry Keoghan is an Irish actor who has gained widespread recognition for his performances in films like “Dunkirk” and “The Killing of a Sacred Deer”. His ability to bring complexity and nuance to his roles has made him a sought-after talent in the film industry.
Keoghan’s casting in “Hurry Up Tomorrow” suggests that The Weeknd is seeking to work with actors who can bring depth and complexity to his films. As an artist, The Weeknd is known for his ability to craft immersive, atmospheric worlds, and Keoghan’s experience working in this area has prepared him well for the demands of the film.
Jenna Ortega:
Jenna Ortega is an American actress who has gained widespread recognition for her performances in films like “Scream” and “You”. Her ability to bring a sense of vulnerability and intensity to her roles has made her a sought-after talent in the film industry.
Ortega’s casting in “Hurry Up Tomorrow” suggests that The Weeknd is seeking to work with actors who can bring a sense of authenticity and emotional depth to his films. As an artist, The Weeknd is known for his ability to craft immersive, atmospheric worlds, and Ortega’s experience working in this area has prepared her well for the demands of the film.
Conclusion
In “The Weeknd” in awe of ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ co-stars Barry Keoghan, Jenna Ortega – The News International, the entertainment world was given a glimpse into The Weeknd’s admiration for his ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ co-stars, Barry Keoghan and Jenna Ortega. The article highlighted The Weeknd’s genuine appreciation for the talented actors, citing their impressive performances and dedication to their craft. Moreover, it was revealed that The Weeknd’s admiration for his co-stars extends beyond their professional capabilities, with him expressing a deep respect for their personal qualities and values.
The significance of this article lies in its portrayal of The Weeknd’s humility and appreciation for his peers. In an industry often marred by controversy and competition, The Weeknd’s genuine admiration for his co-stars serves as a refreshing reminder of the importance of teamwork and mutual respect. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve and grow, the impact of The Weeknd’s admiration for his co-stars will likely be felt, with a new generation of artists and actors learning the value of collaboration and respect.