A24’s upcoming dark comedy horror, “Death of a Unicorn,” is generating significant buzz ahead of its spring 2025 release. Directed by Alex Scharfman in his feature debut, the film boasts a stellar cast, including Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Richard E. Grant, Téa Leoni, and Will Poulter.
Death of a Unicorn Release Date
“Death of a Unicorn” is slated to have its world premiere at the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, scheduled from March 7 to 15. Following its festival debut, A24 will release the film in U.S. theaters on March 28, 2025.
Death of a Unicorn Cast
The film features an impressive ensemble:
- Paul Rudd as Elliot
- Jenna Ortega as Riley
- Richard E. Grant as Dell Leopold
- Téa Leoni as Dell’s wife
- Will Poulter as Dell’s son
- Anthony Carrigan
- Sunita Mani
- Jessica Hynes
- Steve Park
This diverse cast brings together seasoned actors and rising stars, promising a dynamic on-screen experience.
Storyline
The narrative centers on father-daughter duo Elliot (Rudd) and Riley (Ortega). While en route to a weekend retreat hosted by Elliot’s billionaire boss, Dell Leopold (Grant), they accidentally hit and kill a unicorn. Recognizing the unicorn’s horn for its purported cancer-curing properties, Dell, a pharmaceutical magnate, sees an opportunity for exploitation. However, the situation takes a dark turn as the unicorn’s mate seeks vengeance, leading to a blend of horror and dark comedy.
Production
Filming commenced in Hungary in July 2023. Notably, the production received a waiver to continue during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, as A24 operates independently of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
Music
The film’s score is composed by the legendary John Carpenter, alongside Cody Carpenter and Daniel Davies. The official trailer, released on December 18, 2024, features a rendition of The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations,” setting an intriguing tone for the film.
Death of a Unicorn Total Budget
As of now, specific details regarding the film’s total budget have not been publicly disclosed. Given the high-profile cast and production elements, it’s anticipated to be a significant investment for A24.
Anticipation
With its unique blend of dark comedy and horror, combined with a compelling cast and creative team, “Death of a Unicorn” is poised to be a standout release in 2025. Fans eagerly await its debut to see how this imaginative story unfolds on the big screen.
