Death of a Unicorn, the latest film from A24 starring Paul Rudd, has not met expectations, but fans can look forward to his next project arriving in just two months. Initially regarded as one of the most promising films of 2025, the excitement surrounding Death of a Unicorn has been dimmed by its lukewarm critical reception, failing to resonate as deeply with audiences as hoped. Fortunately, Rudd’s upcoming film will soon replace this disappointment.
Set to release in early 2025, Death of a Unicorn is a fantasy comedy that follows a father and daughter who unintentionally run over a unicorn. In a bid to keep their mishap a secret, they stow the magical creature in their vehicle as they travel to the home of a wealthy medical executive. Upon arrival, they discover that the unicorn possesses extraordinary, magical medical abilities, leading to unexpected complications.
Another A24 Film Starring Paul Rudd Arrives Shortly After
Anticipating Friendship This May
In exciting news for fans, Paul Rudd will soon star in Friendship, set for release on May 23, 2025, a mere two months following Death of a Unicorn. This new film pairs Rudd with Tim Robinson, known for his offbeat comedic style in I Think You Should Leave, promising a fresh take on humor within a narrative film context. Enthusiasm is building among A24 fans and dark comedy aficionados alike, making Friendship a highly anticipated release.
The storyline centers around Craig Waterman (played by Tim Robinson), a socially awkward individual who finally befriends his charming neighbor, Austin Carmichael (Rudd). The film’s trailer indicates a delightful time for Craig as he integrates into Austin’s friend group. However, the dynamics take a sinister turn when Austin informs Craig that he doesn’t quite fit in, spiraling Craig into an impulsive quest for vengeance against his former friends.
Friendship: A Potential New Classic in Rudd’s Filmography
Ranking High on Rotten Tomatoes
Despite the less favorable reception of Death of a Unicorn, early reviews suggest that Friendship could establish itself as one of Paul Rudd’s finest works. With an impressive score of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, it currently ranks as Rudd’s third highest-rated film, following the likes of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and Avengers: Endgame. The film has generated significant buzz since its premiere in 2024, garnering excitement for its May release.
Notably, Friendship has received special acclaim for its dark comedic elements, drawing favorable comparisons to Jim Carrey’s cult classic The Cable Guy. The involvement of both Paul Rudd and Tim Robinson promises to deliver an engaging experience replete with offbeat humor and dynamic performances. While its long-term reception remains to be seen, the film is currently drawing plenty of positive attention.
Could Friendship Outshine Death of a Unicorn?
Potential for Box Office Success
Given the current landscape, Friendship may outshine Death of a Unicorn in both critical success and possibly at the box office. The latter has faced a wave of mixed reviews, which could pave the way for Rudd’s next project to gain momentum as a well-received alternative. Critics suggest that Rudd’s role in Friendship poses a greater acting challenge, indicating a higher potential for accolades compared to his simpler character in Death of a Unicorn.
While the commercial outcomes of both films remain to be determined, the innovative premise of Death of a Unicorn offers it an edge in terms of marketing. Still, Friendship could benefit from positive word-of-mouth and the star power of its cast, positioning it as a possible contender to outperform its predecessor.