The Weeknd Details How Having Sleep Paralysis Inspired His ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ Film

Abel Tesfaye, known professionally as The Weeknd, has revealed that his upcoming psychological thriller, Hurry Up Tomorrow, draws inspiration from his personal experiences with sleep paralysis. In a recent interview, Tesfaye shared that these episodes profoundly impacted his creative process, leading him to explore themes of mental health and self-reflection in both the film and its companion album of the same name.​

Scheduled for release on May 16, 2025, Hurry Up Tomorrow marks Tesfaye’s debut as a lead actor in a feature film. Directed by Trey Edward Shults, the film follows a musician grappling with insomnia and a potential mental breakdown. Tesfaye co-wrote the screenplay alongside Shults and Reza Fahim, with Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan also starring. The narrative delves into the protagonist’s psychological journey, blurring the lines between reality and hallucination.​

Tesfaye’s personal struggles with sleep paralysis served as a catalyst for the film’s exploration of altered states of consciousness and the fragility of the human mind. These experiences provided a visceral foundation for the film’s surreal and unsettling atmosphere, aiming to evoke a sense of disorientation and introspection in the audience.​

The film’s release coincides with the launch of the album Hurry Up Tomorrow, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album’s themes of fame, excess, and existential dread resonate with the film’s narrative, creating a cohesive artistic statement. Tesfaye has indicated that this project represents a significant turning point in his career, possibly signaling the end of his alter ego, The Weeknd.​

Fans and critics alike are eagerly anticipating the release of Hurry Up Tomorrow, both for its innovative storytelling and its introspective examination of the human psyche. The film promises to be a compelling addition to Tesfaye’s artistic repertoire, offering a unique blend of psychological drama and musical expression.​

For more information and updates on the film’s release, visit the official Lionsgate website or follow The Weeknd’s social media channels.