Jenna Ortega HBO Max success is highlighted by the unexpected rise of her dark fantasy film, Death of a Unicorn, which has climbed to the number three spot on HBO Max’s global streaming charts despite its disappointing theatrical performance earlier in 2025. The movie, which stars Ortega alongside Paul Rudd, follows a father and daughter who unintentionally kill a unicorn, triggering a chain of events that blend horror, comedy, and satire. This surge on streaming platforms underscores Ortega’s growing influence beyond traditional box office metrics.
Theatrical Release and Viewer Reception of Death of a Unicorn
Death of a Unicorn, distributed by A24, began its journey with modest expectations, initially predicted to earn between $7 million and $8 million during its opening weekend. However, it grossed only around $5 million and ended with a total theatrical revenue of approximately $15 million, short of its $16 million production budget. This underperformance positioned it among the box office disappointments of the year. Nevertheless, the streaming release has dramatically improved the film’s visibility, now ranking just behind One Battle After Another and Sinners on HBO Max worldwide.
The film’s storyline centers on a dark fantasy comedy where Ortega and Rudd’s characters confront the consequences of accidentally harming a mythical creature during a trip to a weekend retreat. Complications arise as the billionaire employer of Rudd’s character attempts to capitalize on the unicorn’s regenerative abilities, adding layers of satire to the plot.
Critical Reactions Reflect Mixed Feelings About the Film
Despite its streaming popularity, Death of a Unicorn struggled to impress critics and holds a 52% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of Ortega’s lowest-rated projects. Critics pointed to issues such as lackluster visual effects and a story that did not fully develop its ideas. Nicolás Medina of Peliplat described the film as
“a tiresome trot through a forest of half-chewed ideas that neither shocks nor entertains,”
illustrating the frustration some reviewers experienced.
Similarly, Simon Foster of Screen-Space commented that it is
“a fantasy-horror-comedy that sharpens its horn on greedy big-business ethics – but…can’t nail the landing,”
highlighting the movie’s ambition but perceived failure to fully deliver the intended impact. These assessments reflect a common view that while the film has potential, it falls short in execution.
Factors Behind Streaming Popularity Despite Box Office Struggles
The transition from theatrical disappointment to streaming success may seem surprising, but Death of a Unicorn fits into a notable trend where critically panned films find a second life on digital platforms. The film’s appeal lies in its strong performances and the converging talents of Ortega and Rudd, whose chemistry draws viewers in. Ortega’s reputation as a “scream queen” popular with Gen Z audiences adds a significant following.
The involvement of A24, a studio admired for its distinctive indie projects, further lends credibility and interest to the film, as fans often seek out its releases. Additionally, the movie’s unique blend of dark satire, horror elements, and campy comedy caters to viewers who enjoy offbeat genre mixes, which have proven successful on streaming platforms.
General audiences have responded more favorably compared to critics, with Death of a Unicorn earning a 76% audience approval rating. Many appreciate it as an entertaining, somewhat gory creature feature that also delivers a biting critique of corporate greed, offering a combination of thrills and dark humor that resonates well in home viewing environments.
Jenna Ortega’s Continued Evolution in Entertainment
Jenna Ortega’s rise from Disney child star in Stuck in the Middle to a prominent figure leading hits like Netflix’s Wednesday and now Death of a Unicorn exemplifies her expanding range as an actress. While the latter film’s theatrical run did not meet expectations, its streaming success reinforces her ability to draw viewers across different platforms and genres. Ortega’s collaboration with well-established actors like Paul Rudd also highlights her increasing stature in Hollywood.
This dynamic illustrates the growing importance of streaming services as a measure of success in modern entertainment, especially for distinctive projects that may not immediately connect with wide theatrical audiences. Zuckerberg’s drive and versatility suggest she will continue to navigate diverse roles with both critical and popular appeal.
The Significance and What Lies Ahead for Jenna Ortega’s Career
The HBO Max surge of Death of a Unicorn spotlights shifting audience behaviors and preferences, confirming that streaming can breathe new life into films that falter at the box office. For Jenna Ortega, this success deepens her footprint within the horror and dark fantasy genres, reinforcing her status as a key player among Gen Z and genre fans alike. It also hints at the potential for similar films to gain traction through digital platforms rather than traditional theaters.
Looking forward, Ortega’s trajectory suggests she will continue to headline projects that challenge genre boundaries and engage diverse viewers. As streaming services invest more in unique, niche content, her blend of charm, talent, and genre appeal positions her for further successes that might defy conventional expectations of commercial and critical performance.
“a tiresome trot through a forest of half-chewed ideas that neither shocks nor entertains,”
— Nicolás Medina, Peliplat
“a fantasy-horror-comedy that sharpens its horn on greedy big-business ethics – but…can’t nail the landing.”
— Simon Foster, Screen-Space
