Overview
- Jenna Ortega headlines “Death of a Unicorn,”a distinctive horror comedy crafted by writer-director Alex Scharfman.
- This film from A24 boasts an ensemble cast, including notable actors such as Paul Rudd, Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, and Richard E. Grant.
- Ortega’s role as Riley Kintner bears a resemblance to her performance as Tara Carpenter in “Scream,”showcasing her knack for portraying strong, self-assured figures in bizarre circumstances.
Fans of Jenna Ortega, known for her captivating performances in “Scream”and “Wednesday,”will recognize her commitment to compelling and independent characters. Both Tara Carpenter and Wednesday Addams display a rebellious spirit, coupled with a sharp, often dark sense of humor. In addition to these memorable roles, Ortega has also portrayed distinct characters such as drummer Skye Willow in “Studio 666″and Vada Cavell in the drama “The Fallout”(2021). Her association with any project invariably guarantees a unique cinematic experience.
As anticipation builds for the release of Wednesday’s second season in 2025, audiences are eager to enjoy Ortega’s latest film, set to hit theaters soon. “Death of a Unicorn”promises to offer an offbeat narrative that stands apart from conventional films, alongside an impressive cast of accomplished actors.
Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd Star in A24’s Hilarious and Unforgettable “Death of a Unicorn”
In this quirky horror-comedy, Jenna Ortega joins forces with Paul Rudd for A24’s “Death of a Unicorn,”directed by Alex Scharfman. The storyline revolves around Ortega’s character, Riley Kintner, who embarks on an unconventional road trip with her father, Elliot (Rudd), to a corporate retreat. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they encounter a unicorn, which they decide to transport in their car. The trailer hints at the corporation’s intentions to exploit the unicorn, setting the stage for a bizarre and thrilling adventure.
A24 has garnered recognition for its darker horror productions, including “Hereditary”and “Midsommar,”with recent titles like “Opus”starring Ayo Edebiri showcasing their range. In contrast, “Death of a Unicorn”introduces a whimsical narrative, contributing to its unique appeal. Alongside Ortega and Rudd, the film features a talented cast including Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, and Richard E. Grant.
This film is likely to resonate with fans of “Wednesday,”as both projects center around dark comedy and portray Ortega in the role of an outsider thrust into peculiar scenarios. While Riley assists her father in navigating the fallout of their unicorn encounter, Wednesday Addams contends with her own mysteries at Nevermore Academy, from tracking the Hyde Monster to confronting a stalker in the upcoming second season.
Moreover, fans of the “Scream”series will find “Death of a Unicorn”appealing, especially those who appreciated Ortega’s portrayal of Tara Carpenter in “Scream (2022)”and “Scream 6.”The trailer suggests notable similarities between Ridley and Tara, as both characters exhibit strength, confidence, and a determination to unravel mysteries while ensuring their survival.
During an interview with Gizmodo, Alex Scharfman, who directed the short film “Passing Thru”and produced the forthcoming Blumhouse film “House of Spoils,”elaborated on his inspiration for “Death of a Unicorn.”His initial thought was, “What if someone hits a unicorn with their car?”He reflected:
“At the time, no, it was before actors or characters—it was a scenario. And I didn’t know what was going on or where they were going or what it was; [it was] just something that stuck out in my mind. It took me a couple of years to even start exploring it.”
Fans can look forward to the theatrical release of Death of a Unicorn on March 28, 2025.
Jenna Ortega’s Insights on Starring in “Death of a Unicorn”
In a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, aired on March 25, 2025, Jenna Ortega highlighted her experiences filming “Wednesday”season 2 alongside Lady Gaga, in addition to discussing “Death of a Unicorn.”She commented on the film’s standout title, noting:
“The title is pretty self-explanatory.”
One particularly memorable scene features Ortega’s character identifying the unicorn in a humorous manner, which has resonated with audiences and was prominently featured in the trailer. During an interview with FOX 32, when asked if she anticipated her line being included in the film’s promotional trailer, Ortega expressed:
“When I’m shooting a film, when I’m on set, I’m thinking of the edit—and I don’t necessarily want to assume. You have a pretty good idea after doing it for 12, 13 years about what they want and what they’re looking for. I don’t really think about the promotional aspect of jobs, so I’m always surprised with what they end up putting in a trailer. I was just hoping they wouldn’t give anything away.”