Jenna Ortega has carved out a distinct niche in the film industry, particularly within the horror genre. However, her latest venture, A24’s Death of a Unicorn, signals a significant shift in her career trajectory. This indie horror-comedy diverges from conventional themes, telling the story of Elliott, a father, and his young daughter, Riley, who unintentionally kill a mythical unicorn in a hit-and-run on their way to Elliott’s boss’s home. The plot soon spirals as vengeful unicorns seek retribution at the mansion.
This unique premise might be unconventional, yet Ortega’s casting aligns with her evolving career. Death of a Unicorn, while unpredictable in its violent twists, shares a darkly comedic tone reminiscent of Ortega’s previous works, such as the highly successful Beetlejuice Beetlejuice in 2024. Its slasher structure parallels the style of popular sequels like Scream 2022 and Scream VI, and exhibits a similar blend of satire and horror as seen in American Carnage, another of Ortega’s notable projects from 2022.
Jenna Ortega: The Emergence of a New Scream Queen Since 2020
Ortega’s Rise Through Iconic Roles in Horror Films
Despite the unusual nature of Death of a Unicorn and its peculiar ending, Ortega’s deep-rooted passion for horror makes this film a suitable choice in her repertoire. Unfortunately, its lackluster box office performance may hint at why Ortega is contemplating a break from horror roles, despite her impressive track record of starring in eight horror films since 2020. Among these, three have garnered blockbuster status.
Ortega’s journey began in childhood with a role in Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013), but it wasn’t until The Babysitter: Killer Queen in 2020 that she made a significant impact in the genre. Her portrayal of Phoebe showcased her talent, making her a standout in an otherwise tepid sequel. Following this, she appeared in minor roles in works like Studio 666 prior to her breakout performances in Ti West’s X and Scream 2022, both of which solidified her status in horror cinema.
Continuing her momentum, Ortega’s major supporting role in American Carnage helped to further establish her in the industry, and she reprised her acclaimed role in Scream VI later that year. Although her decision to step away from future installments, particularly Scream 7 following co-star Melissa Barrera’s departure, indicates a potential shift, her success with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, which amassed over $400 million at the box office in 2024, underscores her versatility beyond horror.
Transitioning from Horror: Jenna Ortega’s Upcoming Projects
A Look at Ortega’s New Ventures Beyond Horror
Given Jenna Ortega’s rising star power and established appeal, it’s easy to presume she has locked into a horror niche. However, none of her upcoming movies venture back into this genre. This strategic shift may be timely, especially following the underwhelming reception of Death of a Unicorn. Her next project, Hurry Up Tomorrow, is a unique blend of musical and dark comedy directed by Trey Edward Shults, linked to The Weeknd’s album.
Following that, Ortega will embark on a role in Taika Waititi’s adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s Klara and the Sun, which explores dystopian themes, alongside a star-studded cast in the thriller The Gallerist, featuring the likes of Natalie Portman and Charli XCX. While Death of a Unicorn might signal a pause for Ortega in horror, her venture into diverse storytelling will surely engage audiences in new ways.
Jenna Ortega’s Future in Horror: A Compelling Comeback?
Wednesday Season 2: Ortega’s Return to Horror
While Wednesday Season 2 will reintroduce Ortega to the horror realm, it is expected to maintain a level of family-friendliness distinct from her more traditional horror outings. Notably, this season aims to amplify its horror elements, promising a darker narrative that may resonate well with fans. The continued success of Ortega’s collaborations with Tim Burton could bode well for her future in horror, even though Death of a Unicorn fell short commercially.
Although Jenna Ortega’s passion for horror may currently be set aside, the genre remains ready and eager for a potential return of one of its most significant contemporary stars. As she explores various film avenues, audiences have much to look forward to in the chapters that follow in her career.