Death of a Unicorn: All we know About A24’s wild Horror-Comedy Starring Paul Rudd & Jenna Ortega
A24’s upcoming horror-comedy Death of a Unicorn has been making waves, and the excitement just got bigger with the release of its official featurette. With its unique blend of horror and comedy, the film promises to be one of A24’s wildest releases yet.
Bringing together the talents of Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, Death of a Unicorn dives into a darkly comedic world where the absurd meets the terrifying. The film is part of A24’s impressive 2025 lineup, standing alongside projects like Parthenope and The Legend of Ochi. Known for pushing boundaries, A24 continues to deliver bold, genre-blending films that captivate audiences.
If you think you’ve seen it all, think again—this movie is unlike anything else on the horizon. From its mind-boggling premise to its all-star cast, Death of a Unicorn is shaping up to be a must-watch. Get ready for a thrilling mix of horror, fantasy, and comedy as we break down everything you need to know. And of course, we’ll keep updating as new details emerge!
Release date & Where to Watch
Death of a Unicorn is set to hit theaters in the United States on Friday, March 28, 2025, courtesy of A24. The film had its world premiere at the South by Southwest Festival on March 8, 2025. Rated R for strong violence, gore, language, and some drug use.
What is the plot of Death of a Unicorn film?
Elliot Kintner and his teenage daughter Ridley are on their way to a crisis management summit hosted by Elliot’s billionaire boss, Dell Leopold, when they accidentally hit and kill a unicorn. Initially stunned by their discovery, they soon realize the creature possesses miraculous healing properties—something the Leopolds see as an opportunity rather than a tragedy.
As scientists at the retreat begin studying the unicorn’s body, they uncover its potential for supernatural cures, including claims that it could cure cancer. However, their excitement turns to horror when the unicorn’s parents arrive, enraged by the loss of their offspring. What was once a bizarre and lucrative scientific breakthrough quickly spirals into a violent nightmare.
The once-lavish retreat descends into chaos as the unicorns begin their ruthless hunt, slaughtering those responsible for their foal’s death. As the bloodshed unfolds, Elliot and Ridley must navigate the carnage, facing a terrifying realization—these creatures aren’t just mythical beings; they are vengeful predators willing to destroy anything in their path.
Who’s in the cast of Death of a Unicorn?
- Jenna Ortega (Wednesday, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice) as Ridley Kintner, Elliot's daughter
- Paul Rudd (Only Murders in the Building) as Elliot Kintner, Ridley's widowed father
- Will Poulter (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) as Shepard Leopold, Odell's son
- Téa Leoni (Madame Secretary) as Belinda Leopold, Odell's wife
- Richard E. Grant (Saltburn) as Odell Leopold, Elliot's boss
- Anthony Carrigan (Barry) as Griff, the Leopolds' butler
- Sunita Mani (Spirited) as Dr. Bhatia, a scientist
- Jessica Hynes as Shaw, the Leopold family personal assistant
- Steve Park as Dr. Song, a scientist
- Kathryn Erbe as the voice of Tapestry Video Narrator
- David Pasquesi as Pilot
- Denise Delgado as Ridley's Mom
- Nick Wittman as Mercenary #1
- Max Draskoczi as Mercenary #2
- Narantsogt Tsogtsaikhan as Mercenary #3
- Christine Grace Szarko as Police Officer
- Tasha Lawrence as Police Officer
Is There a Trailer for Death of a Unicorn?
The first trailer for Death of a Unicorn offers a tantalizing glimpse into this upcoming horror-comedy. Set to the upbeat strains of The Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations," the trailer introduces us to Elliot and his daughter Ridley as they embark on a weekend retreat.
Their journey takes a surreal turn when they accidentally hit a unicorn with their car. This incident propels them into a series of bizarre and perilous events. At the retreat hosted by Elliot's employer, a wealthy pharmaceutical CEO portrayed by Richard E. Grant, the unicorn's mystical properties become the focal point.
In one scene, Dell excitedly declares, "This could be the cure for cancer!" The CEO's interest in the creature's horn, believed to possess miraculous healing abilities, introduces a sinister undertone to the narrative. The trailer hints at the ethical dilemmas and dark humor that ensue as characters grapple with the implications of exploiting such a rare find.
The trailer also showcases moments of tension and dark humor, with Riley expressing concern: "Dad, please just listen to me. We need to give the little one back. Okay, bad things will happen." This line underscores the film's blend of familial dynamics and supernatural intrigue.
The juxtaposition of a whimsical soundtrack with increasingly menacing visuals suggests a film that will keep audiences both laughing and on the edge of their seats.
For a firsthand look at the trailer, you can watch it here:
The second trailer for Death of a Unicorn delves deeper into the film's dark comedic essence. Opening with Elliot and his daughter Ridley driving through a desolate forest, their journey takes a bizarre turn when they accidentally hit a unicorn.
The scene shifts to the retreat hosted by Elliot's billionaire boss, Dell Leopold. Upon learning about the unicorn, Dell's eyes gleam with opportunism as he declares, "It's an opportunity for immortality."
The trailer then juxtaposes moments of dark humor with escalating tension, hinting at the unforeseen consequences of their actions. Ridley, sensing impending doom, warns, "They're gonna kill us."
As the trailer progresses, glimpses of a monstrous unicorn seeking vengeance flash across the screen. The once whimsical notion of unicorns is turned on its head, portraying them as formidable and terrifying.
For a visual glimpse into this darkly comedic tale, you can watch the official second trailer below:
In the featurette, Ridley ominously warns, "Hundreds and thousands of years ago, they were seen as like these divine monsters. But I am telling you right now, bad things will happen." This foreboding sets the stage for the film's central conflict, where the mythical unicorns are portrayed as both majestic and menacing creatures.
The narrative takes a dark turn as Shepherd suggests, "Yes, we have a moral imperative. I saw the horn off that f***ing pony, what do you say?" to which Ridley replies, "That's like the opposite of what I just said." These exchanges underscore the film's sharp dialogue and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
For a closer look at the film, you can watch the official featurette below:
The official promo for Death of a Unicorn, released by A24, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the film's unique blend of dark comedy and horror. It begins with a polished advertisement for Leopold Laboratories, posing questions like, "Do you want the key to limitless potential? Do you want the secret to eternal youth?"
This corporate veneer is abruptly shattered by a Ridley’s exclamation: "It's a f***ing unicorn." The promo then transitions to more intense scenes, highlighting the film's escalating tension.
In one moment, Ridley questions, "I don't think we're supposed to be here," only to be met with the retort, "So you'd retreat in the face of opportunity?" Shepherd asserts, "We have a moral imperative to harvest every last one."
These snippets underscore the film's central conflict between ethical boundaries and the allure of power. The promo effectively sets the stage for a narrative that intertwines dark humor with suspense, leaving audiences eager for more.
For a firsthand look at the promo, you can watch it here:
The official trailer, released on December 18, 2024, featured a rendition of Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys. On March 20, 2025, it was announced that St. Vincent would release a song titled DOA for the soundtrack, set to drop on March 28, 2025.
The cast of Death of a Unicorn answers fun questions about the film. Watch the video below!
Watch the cast of Death of a Unicorn create special unicorn-themed cocktails in this fun video!
The cast of Death of a Unicorn tackles intriguing mythical questions.
Discover some fun facts about Unicorns shared by the film’s official Instagram handle below!
Behind the Scenes
Written and directed by Alex Scharfman in his feature directorial debut, Death of a Unicorn is produced by A24, Ley Line Entertainment, and Monoceros Media. Filming took place in Hungary in July 2023. Dan Romer and Giosuè Greco are handling the film’s score.
Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look as Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, and Will Poulter share insights into their horror-comedy adventure.
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