The Weeknd is set to release his new album ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ on January 24, 2025.
The final instalment of his trilogy – which follows 2020’s ‘After Hours’ and 2022’s ‘Dawn FM’ – is set to land early next year followed by a one-of performance at the Rose Bowl stadium in Los Angeles on January 25. The Rose Bowl stadium, with a capacity of 90,888, has hosted numerous legendary performances throughout its history.
So far, fans have heard three singles from the collection: ‘Dancing in the Flames‘, ‘São Paulo’ featuring Anitta and ‘Timeless’ with Playboi Carti. The collaborations showcase The Weeknd’s continued evolution as an artist, with each single garnering millions of streams within days of release.
The Weeknd – whose real name is Abel Tesfaye – also has a psychological thriller film on the way of the same name, which he will star in alongside ‘Wednesday’ star Jenna Ortega and ‘Saltburn’ actor Barry Keoghan. The film represents his most ambitious acting project to date, combining his musical and dramatic talents.
The Weeknd has already delved into acting; having made a cameo as himself in 2019’s ‘Uncut Gems’ and directing and starring in the 2023 HBO series ‘The Idol’. His role in ‘Uncut Gems’ received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.
The ‘Blinding Lights’ hitmaker has scored the movie with Daniel Lopatin, while Trey Edward Shults is listed as the director. Lopatin, known for his innovative electronic compositions, has previously scored several acclaimed independent films.
Controversial erotic mini-series ‘The Idol’ was culled after just one series. The show generated significant media attention and sparked discussions about content boundaries in premium television.
Starring Abel and Lily-Rose Depp, the series ended after five episodes instead of the originally scheduled six and had been met with fierce backlash, with some critics even describing the series as “torture porn” due to its explicit content. The show’s controversial nature led to extensive debate within the entertainment industry.
The show – which was created by ‘Euphoria’ writer Sam Levinson, Abel and Reza Fahim – will not be getting another season. Despite its short run, the series attracted considerable viewership and media coverage.
“‘The Idol’ was one of HBO’s most provocative original programs, and we’re pleased by the strong audience response,” a spokesperson for the streamer confirmed to The New York Post’s Page Six column. “After much thought and consideration, HBO, as well as the creators and producers have decided not to move forward with a second season. We’re grateful to the creators, cast, and crew for their incredible work.”
The Weeknd admitted it was a “bumpy” ride after the series ended earlier than planned. His candid acknowledgment of the show’s challenges resonated with fans and industry observers.
He wrote on Instagram at the time: “The finale. Grateful to share this moment with you all as the season comes to an end. Continue to push the vision no matter how bumpy the journey.” His message garnered support from millions of followers.
The show followed Lily-Rose’s pop star character Jocelyn, who turned to self-help guru and cult leader Tedros (Abel) after having a nervous breakdown. The narrative explored themes of fame, power, and manipulation in the music industry.
In the finale, she turned the tables on Tedros for his attempts to control her life and career. The conclusion received mixed reactions from viewers and critics alike.
Lily-Rose defended the sex scenes and insisted it was meant to be “provocative” and “polarising” despite the criticism. The actress’s stance highlighted the ongoing debate about artistic expression and content boundaries in contemporary television.
The upcoming album and film projects suggest The Weeknd’s determination to continue pushing creative boundaries across multiple platforms, despite the mixed reception to his television venture. His ability to maintain relevance in both music and visual media has established him as one of entertainment’s most versatile artists.
