The Weeknd Performs at CinemaCon for New Film ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’

CinemaCon attendees were in for a thrilling surprise when The Weeknd took the stage at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. His performance closed Lionsgate’s presentation, setting the stage for the anticipated film Hurry Up Tomorrow, directed by Trey Edward Shults.

Filmmaker Shults and co-star Jenna Ortega introduced The Weeknd, with Ortega calling him “our incredibly talented friend and collaborator.” As the lights dimmed, the audience grew loud when the singer performed his hit song “Blinding Lights.” The high-energy spectacle had even the typically reserved CinemaCon crowd filled with exhibitors, theater owners, and industry professionals on their feet. It was a rare moment of excitement for CinemaCon. As the performance ended, The Weeknd addressed the crowd with enthusiasm, “I love you, CinemaCon.”

An exclusive performance from The Weeknd at #CinemaCon2025 for #HurryUpTomorrow! pic.twitter.com/UPGrqOgWD5

— Cinemark Theatres (@Cinemark) April 1, 2025

The event also featured a sneak peek at Hurry Up Tomorrow, which hits theaters on May 16. Shults admitted the film is difficult to define but described it as a “singular, visceral cinematic experience” that is “very soulful.” He praised his collaboration with The Weeknd, calling their creative relationship deeply inspiring. “He’s like family now,” Shults stated, pointing out how they constantly push each other artistically. Their connection helped shape the film’s unique vision

Ortega shared her first reaction to the script, revealing that a possession scene intrigued her the most. When she met with Shults, she expressed interest in that particular scene, only to discover he wanted her for the lead role of Annie. “I said, ‘That’s cool, too,’” she joked. She later explained that Annie’s name comes from “anima,” representing the feminine part of the psyche. This concept plays a major role in the films theme. “She’s kind of Abel, in a sense,” she added, hinting at the film’s psychological depth.

The film, co-written by Shults, The Weeknd, and Reza Fahim, follows a musician suffering from insomnia who goes on a life-altering journey with a stranger. Featuring The Weeknd, Ortega, and Barry Keoghan, Hurry Up Tomorrow is inspired by The Weeknd’s latest album, completing his trilogy after After Hours and Dawn FM.

 Hurry Up Tomorrow, hits theaters on May 16.