In an exclusive conversation with Fader, global superstar The Weeknd recently opened up about his upcoming film, Hurry Up Tomorrow, which marks his highly anticipated acting debut. The film, set to be released in theaters on May 16, stars The Weeknd alongside rising star Jenny Ortega. In this psychological thriller, The Weeknd plays an insomniac musician who embarks on a journey that forces him to confront the darkest corners of his mind. According to the film’s gripping synopsis, the protagonist encounters a mysterious stranger who leads him down a path that challenges everything he knows about himself.
For The Weeknd, this project is much more than just a movie. It’s a reflection of his own personal battles, particularly his struggles with sleep paralysis. In the Fader interview, he admitted that Hurry Up Tomorrow is deeply influenced by his own vivid and unsettling experiences with this mysterious and frightening condition.
Sleep Paralysis: The Real Antagonist of Hurry Up Tomorrow
“The film is not about any villains in the traditional sense,” The Weeknd revealed. “Sleep paralysis is the real antagonist in this story.” For those unfamiliar with the condition, sleep paralysis occurs when a person is temporarily unable to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up, often accompanied by vivid hallucinations, such as seeing dark figures or hearing strange voices. These experiences can be terrifying, and The Weeknd shared that he’s had many such encounters.
Reflecting on the horror of sleep paralysis, The Weeknd described it as one of the “most vivid” and “disorienting” experiences he’s ever had. He elaborated, “You’re paralyzed for what feels like a minute. Sometimes you see a dark figure in the corner of the room. You hear voices and sounds, but you can’t move, you can’t scream. It feels real. It’s almost like you’re caught between two worlds.”
For The Weeknd, this form of sleep deprivation was more than just an inconvenience—it was a source of deep fear and discomfort. He continued, “There were times I couldn’t differentiate between what was real and what was a hallucination. It was terrifying. It felt like something was watching me. It was as if my own mind was betraying me.”
The Weeknd’s Personal Journey: From Sleep Paralysis to Better Sleep
Although sleep paralysis once plagued The Weeknd’s nights, he admitted that he has since overcome the disorder, thanks to changes in his routine. “I had to completely alter how I approach sleep,” he said. “Now, I turn off my phone, kill the lights, and turn off the TV. It’s about creating a space where my mind can truly rest, free from the distractions of the digital world.”
This shift in routine has brought him much-needed relief, and The Weeknd hopes his personal journey with sleep paralysis will resonate with audiences when they see Hurry Up Tomorrow. The film, directed by a visionary filmmaker, seeks to explore themes of isolation, self-discovery, and the internal battles that all of us face, particularly when the mind is at war with itself. As The Weeknd shared, “The film really digs deep into the psyche. I think anyone who’s had their own struggles with sleep, anxiety, or inner demons will be able to relate to it.”
Breaking Records with Music: The Weeknd’s Impact on Pop Culture
While The Weeknd is gearing up to take on the big screen, his musical career continues to soar to new heights. Last October, the Grammy-winning artist broke his own record as the artist with the most monthly listeners on Spotify, reaching a jaw-dropping 120.5 million listeners. This milestone cements his position as one of the most influential and widely adored artists of his generation.
The Weeknd’s reign as the most-listened-to artist on Spotify began in February 2023, when he became the first artist in history to surpass 100 million monthly listeners. Since then, he’s held the top spot, with a brief interruption by pop sensation Taylor Swift, who recently joined The Weeknd as one of the only artists to achieve this remarkable feat. However, The Weeknd remains unchallenged in terms of the length of time he has maintained this position, and Billie Eilish is quickly closing in on the milestone as well.
In addition to his chart-topping Spotify success, The Weeknd’s latest release, “Timeless,” featuring Playboi Carti and produced by none other than Pharrell Williams, has made a significant impact. The track entered the Billboard Hot 100 at #3—marking his highest debut on the chart in his career. Fans and critics alike have praised the song for its smooth production and catchy hook, with many speculating that it will remain a fixture in the charts for weeks to come.
A Star on the Rise: The Weeknd’s Multidimensional Career
The Weeknd’s ability to juggle both acting and music is a testament to his versatility and boundless ambition. Whether he’s captivating audiences with his hauntingly beautiful melodies, breaking records with his global streaming numbers, or taking on a challenging acting role, the Canadian artist continues to prove that his talents are limitless.
In addition to Hurry Up Tomorrow, The Weeknd has hinted at more creative ventures, with several collaborations with high-profile artists and potential future projects in the works. His willingness to take risks, explore new artistic avenues, and push boundaries is a defining feature of his career.
For his fans, the release of Hurry Up Tomorrow offers an exciting new chapter in The Weeknd’s multifaceted career. As he steps into the role of a tormented musician, his personal experiences with sleep paralysis will undoubtedly add an authentic and relatable depth to the character. The Weeknd’s commitment to personal storytelling through art and film will resonate with many who have faced their own struggles with mental health, sleep disorders, and self-identity.
The Weeknd: A Cultural Icon Who Continues to Shape Pop Culture
Looking back at his meteoric rise to fame, it’s clear that The Weeknd has solidified himself as a cultural icon. From his breakthrough album Starboy to his record-shattering success on Spotify, he continues to redefine what it means to be a modern pop star. With each new project, he proves that he is more than just a musician—he’s an artist, an actor, and a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.
The release of Hurry Up Tomorrow promises to be a pivotal moment in The Weeknd’s career, offering fans a rare glimpse into his personal struggles while showcasing his evolution as an artist. As his star continues to rise, it’s clear that The Weeknd is just getting started. Whether through music, film, or other creative outlets, we can expect to see much more of this extraordinary talent in the years to come.
