A24’s Death of a Unicorn: A Dark Fantasy Comedy Starring Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd

Recently, io9 attended a special screening of A24’s Death of a Unicorn, featuring rising star Jenna Ortega (Wednesday) alongside seasoned actor Paul Rudd (Avengers: Endgame). The film explores the unlikely tale of a daughter and her father who accidentally run over a unicorn, perfectly encapsulating A24’s signature offbeat storytelling style.

Director Alex Scharfman’s Vision

Following the film, director Alex Scharfman engaged in a captivating Q&A with Ortega and other cast members (excluding Rudd), delving deep into the film’s unique themes. Death of a Unicorn offers an avant-garde twist on the familiar premise presented in Cabin in the Woods, juxtaposing the enchanting yet destructive nature of a unicorn against a backdrop of frivolous wealthy characters and a well-meaning but ordinary single dad (Rudd) striving to bond with his daughter (Ortega) after the bizarre accident.

Ortega’s On-Set Challenges

Ortega mentioned that her biggest challenge was maintaining composure amidst the comedic chaos. Her co-stars, including Tea Leoni, Richard E. Grant, Will Poulter, and Anthony Carrigan, delivered outrageous performances while extracting the unicorn’s magical powers.

“In the kindest way possible, I couldn’t trust anyone on this set. Eye contact was a no-go,” she confessed during the Q&A. “There’s one scene where Anthony walks by, casually mentioning, ‘this isn’t the best use of time’—while using a clock as a prop. Not once did I dare look in that direction during filming.”

Ridley: The Film’s Moral Anchor

Playing the role of Ridley, Ortega serves as the film’s moral compass and the audience’s surrogate. She described the comedic struggle she faced in defending the unicorn. “Paul often improvised hilarious moments on set, adding layers to our scenes,” she explained. “Despite being the serious character, I often found myself amidst comedic turmoil as I tried to express why their actions were wrong—nobody listened until the dramatic third act.” The tension, she noted, was palpable, as daily shoots felt increasingly intense.

Collaboration with Paul Rudd

Reflecting on her collaboration with Rudd, Ortega shared, “As a fan of his work, it was an honor to work alongside such a genuinely nice person. Joke aside, filming with him was challenging—but in the best way possible.” She added, “His presence lightened up the atmosphere, making our scenes more enjoyable. Despite the heavy themes, working with Paul facilitated a natural chemistry that was essential for our characters’ relationship.”

Release Date for Death of a Unicorn

Death of a Unicorn is set to hit theaters on March 28, promising viewers a blend of laughter, fantasy, and poignant moments.

FAQs About Death of a Unicorn

What is A24’s Death of a Unicorn about?

Death of a Unicorn follows a father-and-daughter duo who accidentally kill a unicorn, navigating a world filled with absurd characters and challenging moral dilemmas.

When does Death of a Unicorn release?

The film is scheduled to be released on March 28.

Who stars in Death of a Unicorn?

The film features Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd, alongside an ensemble cast including Tea Leoni, Richard E. Grant, Will Poulter, and Anthony Carrigan.

What genre is Death of a Unicorn?

Death of a Unicorn is categorized as a dark fantasy comedy, incorporating elements of both humor and drama.

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