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Barry Keoghan continues his meteoric rise in Hollywood with a starring role in HURRY UP TOMORROW, an intriguing psychological thriller that pairs him with rising star Jenna Ortega and marks the feature film acting debut of music superstar Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd. Following Keoghan’s critically acclaimed performances in SALTBURN and THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN, this new project further establishes him as one of cinema’s most captivating talents capable of embodying complex, often unsettling characters.

The film represents an ambitious creative extension for Tesfaye, who not only stars as himself but also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Reza Fahim, his collaborator from the controversial HBO series THE IDOL. Director Trey Edward Shults, known for atmospheric psychological works like IT COMES AT NIGHT and WAVES, helms the project, suggesting audiences can expect a visually striking and emotionally intense experience.

With a reported budget exceeding $20 million, the film’s enigmatic synopsis describes “a musician plagued by insomnia pulled into an odyssey with a stranger who begins to unravel the very core of his existence.” Ortega portrays this mysterious stranger named Anima, while Keoghan plays Lee, apparently a friend of The Weeknd’s character. Industry whispers suggest possible inspiration from Stephen King’s MISERY, potentially positioning Keoghan in another psychologically complex role that could showcase his talent for portraying characters with unsettling depths.

The project intertwines with Tesfaye’s musical career, serving as a companion piece to his sixth studio album of the same name, which concludes a musical trilogy including After Hours and Dawn FM. The film will feature several songs from the album, including CRY FOR ME and OPEN HEARTS which Tesfaye performed at a surprise CinemaCon appearance. Interestingly, Tesfaye has hinted this might represent his “last hurrah as The Weeknd,” adding another layer of significance to the project.

For Keoghan, HURRY UP TOMORROW represents another carefully chosen role that continues to diversify his portfolio while playing to his strengths as an actor who excels at portraying enigmatic, often unsettling characters. Following his Oscar-nominated turn in THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN and his controversial performance in SALTBURN, this new project alongside established talents like Ortega and within the creative vision of The Weeknd suggests Keoghan continues making bold career choices that cement his position as one of his generation’s most fascinating actors.

UK and Irish audiences can experience HURRY UP TOMORROW when it arrives in cinemas on May 16, promising an unusual cinematic experience that Ortega describes as “more like an experience” that makes sense when approached with an open mind.