The Weeknd recently showered praise on Jenna Ortega for her standout performance in the upcoming psychological thriller Hurry Up Tomorrow, which is based on his album. Directed by Trey Edward Shults, the film features The Weeknd in a co-writing and starring role.
In a glowing interview, The Weeknd expressed how impressed he was with Ortega’s ability to bring emotional depth to her role. He described a particularly challenging scene during filming that left both him and Shults uncertain about how it would play out on screen. But when Ortega took charge, everything clicked. He recalled a moment where he and Shults exchanged a look, thinking the scene seemed impossible to execute, but Ortega’s natural talent transformed it. “Jenna brought so much depth to the character,” The Weeknd said, adding that Ortega suggested a new direction for the scene that wasn’t previously rehearsed. “She led that whole scene — none of it was rehearsed, and a lot of my reactions in it are not acting,” he shared.
Ortega, who gained widespread fame for her role in Wednesday, reflected on her career and how grateful she is for the opportunities she’s been given. She also spoke fondly of The Weeknd, calling him sweet and accommodating on set, making the experience enjoyable and seamless for everyone involved.
Hurry Up Tomorrow is set for a release on May 16, 2025, and promises to be an exciting film with a unique and captivating performance from Ortega.