Jenna Ortega’s latest venture, Death of a Unicorn, produced by A24, is struggling to garner box office success, raising concerns about her upcoming projects. The film features Ortega alongside Paul Rudd, crafting a comedic horror narrative about a father-daughter duo who inadvertently kill a unicorn during a road trip and face the wrath of its furious parents. Prior to its release, Death of a Unicorn appeared promising, boasting well-known actors, an engaging trailer, and a unique creature-feature concept.
Despite these appealing elements, the film has flopped at the box office. After A24 previously thrived with horror blockbusters such as Midsommar, Talk to Me, and the recently released Heretic, the studio is now navigating a challenging period regarding its horror offerings. Just weeks after Ayo Edebiri’s cult thriller Opus set disappointing records, Death of a Unicorn managed to collect only $5.7 million during its opening weekend, falling short against Blumhouse’s The Woman in the Yard.
Box Office Struggles of Death of a Unicorn and Its Implications for Hurry Up Tomorrow
Jenna Ortega’s Upcoming Film Faces Similar Challenges
Even with both Ortega and Rudd headlining, the film’s peculiar humor posed a significant risk. The quirky tone might either resonate with audiences or miss the mark entirely—unfortunately, it appears to have fallen flat. For Ortega to restore her standing as a box office draw, her next film needs to perform well. However, Hurry Up Tomorrow presents its own set of risks.
This upcoming release also features a noteworthy cast, including Ortega, Barry Keoghan, and The Weeknd, who plays himself. However, similar to Death of a Unicorn, it defies traditional genre categorization. As a musical psychological thriller, it explores the turbulent mind of an insomniac musician on the brink of a mental collapse. The mixed success of the musical genre, as seen with Joker: Folie à Deux, suggests that not every fusion guarantees box office triumph.
A Pattern of Disappointment? The Impact of Recent Releases on Jenna Ortega’s Career
Beetlejuice 2’s Success May Not Propel Ortega as Expected
If Hurry Up Tomorrow underperforms similarly to Death of a Unicorn, it may herald a troubling trajectory for Ortega’s career. Last year, her role in Beetlejuice 2 established her as a rising star in Hollywood. However, following two potential box office disappointments, her ascent to A-list status could be jeopardized before it truly begins.