The Weeknd’s latest film, Hurry Up Tomorrow, has garnered significant attention—but not for the reasons he might have hoped. While the psychological thriller aimed to showcase Abel Tesfaye’s (The Weeknd) artistic depth, it has instead become a focal point for online mockery, with his acting performance turning into a widespread meme.
A Performance That Sparked Laughter
Released on May 16, 2025, Hurry Up Tomorrow features The Weeknd portraying a fictionalized version of himself, navigating insomnia and a surreal journey with a mysterious stranger. Despite the film’s ambitious premise, critics and audiences have largely panned it, citing a disjointed narrative and lackluster performances. The film currently holds a 14% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its poor reception.
One particular scene, where The Weeknd’s character yells “Shut up!” at co-star Jenna Ortega, has been widely circulated on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, often accompanied by humorous captions and edits. This moment has become emblematic of the film’s perceived shortcomings and has been parodied extensively online.
Critical and Commercial Reception
Beyond the memes, Hurry Up Tomorrow has struggled both critically and commercially. The film’s box office performance was underwhelming, grossing only $5.9 million worldwide against a $15 million budget. Critics have described the movie as self-indulgent and lacking in substance, with some labeling it a “vanity project” that fails to resonate with audiences.
While The Weeknd’s musical talents are well-recognized, his foray into acting with Hurry Up Tomorrow has been met with skepticism. The film’s reception serves as a reminder that success in one artistic domain doesn’t always translate seamlessly into another.
What’s Next for The Weeknd?
Despite the setbacks, The Weeknd remains a prominent figure in the music industry. It’s yet to be seen how this experience will influence his future projects or if he’ll continue to pursue acting roles. For now, fans and critics alike await his next move, hopeful that he’ll return to the strengths that solidified his place in the music world.
