The Weeknd bit his tongue when it came to his thoughts on The Idol.
Two years after the HBO series aired, the “Save Your Tears” singer—real name Abel Tesfaye—explained why he opted not to overshare his thoughts amid production.
“Then I become ‘difficult,’” Tesfaye told The Guardian of why he didn’t have much influence over the Sam Levinson series. “The worst thing you can be called in Hollywood is difficult. ‘Difficult’ spreads!”
And since The Idol was Tesfaye’s first big role in Hollywood as an actor and executive producer, he wanted to make sure he didn’t push anyone’s buttons.
“You’ve got to pay your dues,” he explained. “And boy, did I pay my dues.”
Indeed, The Idol, which also starred Lily-Rose Depp, was exposed shortly before its premiere for its poorly handled production, and the series was promptly poorly received by critics. And now that the gig is behind him, Tesfaye admitted to The Guardian that the criticism of the series “makes a lot of sense.”
“It could have been great if it had a beginning, middle and end,” he reflected to the outlet. “It just ended on middle.”
After the experience, though, the “Can’t Feel My Face” singer felt his directorial debut Hurry Up Tomorrow—which hit theaters last month—brought “joy” back into the production experience for him.
“Before we shot the film, I went through whatever healing I had to go through,” he explained. “And then I needed to shed that skin, and I wanted to do it in a way that felt more visual.”
And since Tesfaye plays a version of himself in the new film—which also stars Barry Keoghan and Jenna Ortega—it was healing in more ways than one.
“I feel grateful that I get to film my persona on 35mm, and light it on fire,” he said. “I’m sure every artist would love to do that. Because it gets to a point where you don’t want to be identified for something you started at 19 years old.”
As he put it, “I got to say: cut! And that’s a wrap.”
Tesfaye’s film is just one of the much-anticipated movies that premiered this year. Keep reading for more…
The Lost Bus – October 3, 2025
Inspired by real events, The Lost Bus is a white-knuckle ride through one of America’s deadliest wildfires as a wayward school bus driver (Matthew McConaughey) and a dedicated school teacher (America Ferrera) battle to save 22 children from the terrifying inferno.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Apple TV+
Anemone – October 3, 2025
Legendary actor Daniel Day-Lewis makes a rare appearance (his first since 2017’s Phantom Thread) in this family drama directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis.
Where to Watch: In theaters
The Smashing Machine – October 3, 2025
Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt star in this true story of UFC fighter Mark Kerr.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Ozzy: No Escape From Now – October 7, 2025
Produced in collaboration with the Osbourne family, this documentary follows the rock icon’s last six years of life as he struggled with his health and fought to get back on stage one last time.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Paramount+
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You – October 10, 2025
Rose Byrne (Bridesmaids, Platonic) delivers an award-worthy performance as a stressed out mom attempting to navigate her child’s mysterious illness, her absent husband, and an increasingly hostile relationship with her therapist. Also starring A$AP Rocky and Conan O’Brien.
Where to Watch: In select theaters on Oct. 10, then playing nationwide on Oct. 24.
Roofman – October 10, 2025
Based on an unbelievable true story, Roofman follows a struggling father (Channing Tatum) who turns to robbing McDonald’s restaurants by cutting holes in their roofs. After escaping prison, he secretly lives inside a Toys “R” Us for six months, surviving undetected while planning his next move. But when he falls for Leigh (Kirsten Dunst), a divorced mom drawn to his undeniable charm, his double life begins to unravel.
Where to Watch: In theaters
After the Hunt – October 10, 2025
From Challengers director Luca Guadagnino, this psychological drama follows a college professor (Julia Roberts) who finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when a student (Ayo Edebiri) levels an accusation against one of her colleagues (Andrew Garfield), and a dark secret from her own past threatens to come into the light.
Where to Watch: In theaters in New York and Los Angeles on October 10, expanding on October 17
A House of Dynamite – October 10, 2025
Where to Watch: In select theaters on October 10, streaming on Netflix starting October 24.
The Woman in Cabin 10 – October 10, 2025
Based on Ruth Ware‘s bestselling novel, Keira Knightley, Guy Pearce and Hannah Waddingham star in this psychological thriller about a journalist searching for a missing woman aboard a luxury cruise ship.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix
Tron: Ares – October 10, 2025
The third installment in the Tron franchise, starring Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Jeff Bridges, Jodie Turner-Smith and Evan Peters.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Kiss of the Spider Woman – October 10, 2025
Jennifer Lopez and Diego Luna star in this new film adaptation of the 1976 novel and Tony Award-winning 1993 Broadway musical of the same name.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Vicious – October 10, 2025
Dakota Fanning headlines this twisted horror tale about a girl who receives a mysterious box from an unexpected late-night visitor and soon finds herself trapped in a terrifying world where reality bends and memory betrays.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Paramount+
Black Phone 2 – October 17, 2025
Ethan Hawke returns to the most sinister role of his career as The Grabber seeks vengeance on Finn (Mason Thames) from beyond the grave by menacing Finn’s younger sister.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Good Fortune – October 17, 2025
A well-meaning but rather inept angel named Gabriel (Keanu Reeves) meddles in the lives of a struggling gig worker (Aziz Ansari) and a wealthy venture capitalist (Seth Rogen).
Where to Watch: In theaters
The Twits – October 17, 2025
Loosely based on the 1980 children’s novel by Roald Dahl, this animated comedy follows two brave children who are forced to take on Mr. and Mrs. Twit, the meanest, smelliest, nastiest people in the world.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle – October 22, 2025
This reimagining of the 1992 classic psychological thriller stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead as a suburban mom who brings a new nanny (Maika Monroe) into her home, only to discover she is not the person she claims to be.
Where to Watch: Streaming on Hulu
Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere – October 24, 2025
The Bear star Jeremy Allen White plays the Boss in this biopic which chronicles the making of Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 Nebraska album when he was a young musician on the cusp of global superstardom.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Regretting You – October 24, 2025
Allison Williams, Mckenna Grace and Dave Franco star in this adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Shelby Oaks – October 24, 2025
A woman’s obsessive search for her missing sister leads her into a terrifying mystery at the hands of an unknown evil.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Anniversary – October 29, 2025
Featuring an all-star cast, this gripping thriller follows a close-knit family who are torn apart when the son brings home a new girlfriend with a dangerous agenda. Starring Diane Lane, Kyle Chandler, Dylan O’Brien, Phoebe Dynevor, Zoey Deutch, and McKenna Grace.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Ballad of a Small Player – October 29, 2025
Colin Farrell stars as a high-stakes gambler lying low in Macau, China, until his past and his debts start to catch up with him.
Where to Watch: In select theaters October 15 and streaming on Netflix October 29
Nouvelle Vague – October 31, 2025
Director Richard Linklater reimagines the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless, a film that shaped the French New Wave in 1960. Starring Zoey Deutch as iconic actress Jean Seberg.
Where to Watch: In select theaters on October 31, streaming on Netflix starting November 14.
Bugonia – October 31, 2025
Emma Stone re-teams with her Poor Things and The Favourite director Yorgos Lanthimos for this dark comedy about two conspiracy-obsessed men who kidnap the CEO of a major company, convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth.
Where to Watch: Limited engagement on October 24, then nationwide on October 31.
Christy – November 7, 2025
Sydney Sweeney delivers a knockout performance as she transforms into real life boxing hero Christy Martin in this much-anticipated biopic.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Frankenstein – November 7, 2025
Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro adapts Mary Shelley’s classic tale of Victor Frankenstein and his monstrous creation. Starring Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi and Mia Goth.
Where to Watch: In select theaters Oct. 17 and streaming on Netflix on Nov. 7.
Predator: Badlands – November 7, 2025
The newest entry in the Predator franchise is set in the future on a remote planet and follows a young Predator who is outcast from his clan, and must embark on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary. Elle Fanning also stars.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Die My Love – November 7, 2025
Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson headline this black comedy-drama that focuses on a new mother struggling with postpartum depression after moving to rural Montana.
Where to Watch: In theaters
Nuremberg – November 7, 2025
A WWII psychiatrist (Rami Malek) evaluates Nazi leaders before the Nuremberg trials in 1945, growing increasingly obsessed with understanding evil as he forms a disturbing bond with Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe). Also starring Colin Hanks, Leo Woodall, John Slattery, Michael Shannon and Richard E. Grant.
Where to Watch: In theaters
I Wish You All the Best – November 7, 2025
A modern coming-of-age story that follows a teenager who comes out as nonbinary and is thrown out of their family’s home, before embarking upon a journey of self-discovery. From writer/director Tommy Dorfman, and starring Corey Fogelmanis, Lena Dunham, Alexandra Daddario, and Cole Sprouse.
Where to Watch: In theaters
The Running Man – November 14, 2025
Glen Powell stars in this adaptation of Stephen King‘s 1982 novel (which also inspired the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger movie of the same name) about a deadly competition where contestants must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins.
Where to Watch: In theaters
