The Weeknd Pauses CinemaCon Performance to Honor Mark Hamill: ‘The Force Is With You’

The Weeknd and Jenna Ortega stole the show at CinemaCon. Lionsgate saved their appearance for last, and it was worth the wait. They were there to promote their upcoming movie, Hurry Up Tomorrow, directed by Trey Edward Shults.

The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, set the stage on fire with a live performance. He sang two songs from the film, Cry for Me and Open Hearts, along with his hit Blinding Lights. The crowd at Caesars Colosseum was in for a treat.

Before the performance, Lionsgate Motion Picture Chair Adam Fogelson introduced Ortega. He joked that he was too nervous to introduce The Weeknd himself. Ortega playfully called him out, saying, “You’re being really self-deprecating, and I’ve only been out here for five minutes.”

During his performance The Weeknd had a surprising and memorable moment. While singing, he suddenly stopped when he noticed legendary Star Wars actor Mark Hamill in the crowd. Overcome with excitement, he acknowledged Hamill directly, saying, “I can’t believe I’m looking at Mark Hamill right now. That’s crazy. The Force is with you.”

The audience reacted with enthusiasm, as the unexpected interaction brought together two major icons from different entertainment worlds. The Weeknd’s admiration for Hamill was clear, and the moment quickly became a highlight of the event.

A new trailer for Hurry Up Tomorrow was also revealed. In the film, The Weeknd plays a version of himself—a big performer. Ortega plays his girlfriend, who seems to be struggling. She clearly loves him, but he is distant, missing her calls. The movie has a noir-inspired look and feels intense and emotional.

Director Trey Edward Shults praised The Weeknd, saying their collaboration was effortless. “He’s like family,” he said. Ortega added that the film is hard to describe. “It feels more like an experience,” she said.

With its mysterious story and emotional depth, Hurry Up Tomorrow is shaping up to be a must-watch.

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