Jenna Ortega Opens Up About Feeling ‘Lost’ While Filming Movie with The Weeknd (Exclusive)
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Jenna Ortega, a talented young actress, recently shared her heartfelt experience while working on a movie with renowned artist The Weeknd. Jenna revealed exclusively to PEOPLE that she initially felt “lost” when she commenced filming the movie, which also featured The Weeknd and Barry Keoghan.
During the premiere of “Hurry Up Tomorrow” on May 13 in New York City, the 22-year-old actress opened up about the challenging period she was going through at the start of the production. In her words, she expressed, “Honestly, it was quite a strange time in my life. I felt very lost, so it felt very in tune with the production that we were having.”
“Hurry Up Tomorrow” marks The Weeknd’s first leading role in a film and serves as a complementary piece to his sixth album of the same title. The psychological thriller follows his portrayal of a musician struggling with insomnia as he embarks on a journey with a stranger that challenges his very existence.
Not only did Jenna star in the movie, but she also took on the role of executive producer. She mentioned that collaborating with The Weeknd on this semi-autobiographical project provided her with a sense of grounding. “To be able to collaborate on a story that is so meaningful and personal to such an inspiring artist was comforting and reassuring,” she shared. “I felt seen, which was incredible and very beneficial.”
Director Trey Edward Shults also shed light on the camaraderie among the cast during filming, describing it as a natural connection among real individuals from diverse backgrounds. Speaking specifically about Jenna Ortega, he expressed his admiration for her talent and the exceptional performance she delivered in the movie.
Exploring the impact of sudden fame, Jenna previously spoke about the challenges she faced following her role in Netflix’s “Wednesday.” She conveyed missing the anonymity she had in the early stages of her career and reminisced about the simplicity and excitement of her acting journey.
Despite the pressures that come with fame and success, Jenna expressed her appreciation for the learning experiences and the growth she has encountered along the way. As she continues to navigate the entertainment industry, Jenna remains committed to her craft and values the journey of an actor’s progression.
“Hurry Up Tomorrow” is set to hit theatres on May 16, offering audiences a glimpse into the captivating performances and poignant storytelling that Jenna Ortega and The Weeknd bring to the screen. Stay tuned for more updates and exclusive insights as Jenna Ortega continues to thrive in her acting career.