The Weeknd Possibly Rethinking Retiring His Stage Persona

Abel Tesfaye has been hinting that he will bring an end to his long-standing musical alter ego, The Weeknd, following the release of his sixth album and the accompanying movie of the same name, Hurry Up Tomorrow. Despite previously stating his intent to retire the persona at the culmination of his current album trilogy – which includes 2020’s After Hours, 2022’s Dawn FM and January 2025’s Hurry Up Tomorrow – the 4-time Grammy winner now suggests the possibility of a new direction during a recent interview with EW. “It feels like it [the end of the Weeknd],” Tesfaye says. “I mean, I’ve kind of toyed with the idea in the past with albums.” He adds that this isn’t the first time he’s considered doing away with his alter ego, “But it could also just be a rebirth. Who knows?” he teased. The movie, which premieres on Friday (May 16), features Tesfaye playing a fictionalized version of himself, also named Abel, who goes on a wild adventure with Anima, portrayed by Jenna Ortega. (Billboard)