{"id":111070,"date":"2025-03-26T21:34:49","date_gmt":"2025-03-26T21:34:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/anthony-carrigan-discusses-the-loss-of-a-unicorn-and-james-gunns-superman-project\/"},"modified":"2025-03-26T21:34:49","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T21:34:49","slug":"anthony-carrigan-discusses-the-loss-of-a-unicorn-and-james-gunns-superman-project","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/anthony-carrigan-discusses-the-loss-of-a-unicorn-and-james-gunns-superman-project\/","title":{"rendered":"Anthony Carrigan Discusses the Loss of a Unicorn and James Gunn’s Superman Project"},"content":{"rendered":"

What motivated Anthony Carrigan to pursue both independent and blockbuster projects?<\/strong> How does Carrigan describe his character Griff in the film Death of a Unicorn<\/em>?<\/strong> In what ways did Carrigan prepare for his role in Death of a Unicorn<\/em>?<\/strong> How does Carrigan perceive the tone of Superman<\/em> compared to Guardians of the Galaxy<\/em>?<\/strong> What themes does Carrigan hope Death of a Unicorn<\/em> addresses regarding families that exploit resources?<\/strong> <\/p>\n

By the time Anthony Carrigan\u2019s Emmy-nominated run on Barry<\/em> concluded in 2023, he\u2019d already reaffirmed his independent and blockbuster ambitions to his reps. The Massachusetts native wasted no time turning those desires into reality, beginning with A24\u2019s Death of a Unicorn<\/em> and followed by James Gunn\u2019s Superman<\/em>. The former, which marks the feature directorial debut of writer-director Alex Scharfman, is the latest of many examples in which the powerhouse indie studio has attracted top-tier talent for its interesting, unconventional choices and taste. The comedic creature feature boasts yet another decorated cast, as Carrigan stands shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Will Poulter, T\u00e9a Leoni, and Richard E. Grant. <\/p>\n

Carrigan plays Griff, the aggrieved butler to the Sackler-esque pharma family, the Leopolds, who invite their lawyer, Elliot Kintner (Rudd), and his daughter Ridley (Ortega), for a retreat at their mountainside lodge. Along the way, the Kintners accidentally run over a unicorn, and the Leopolds seize on an opportunity to exploit its horn for medicinal and financial gain. Griff internalizes much of his frustration with his employers before eventually letting loose, but the part allowed Carrigan the chance to dive deeper into physical and silent comedy. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems like it\u2019s simple, but you really do need to create this body language that is telling a story. So I watched a lot of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin,\u201d Carrigan tells The Hollywood Reporter<\/em>. As for July\u2019s Superman<\/em>, Carrigan plays Rex Mason\/Metamorpho, who, per the comics, can transmute himself into chemical compounds of his choosing. When asked if Superman<\/em> will balance action, drama, and comedy in the same effortless way that Gunn\u2019s Guardians of the Galaxy<\/em> trilogy did, Carrigan offers a different interpretation of the film\u2019s tone. <\/p>\n

\u201cI am hesitant to liken it to Guardians<\/em>, but I do think that [Superman<\/em>] has the same heart and intelligence. That\u2019s James\u2019 trademark. But I think it\u2019s going to be its own thing entirely,\u201d Carrigan says. \u201cThe process of working on it was such a special one, and the whole cast was on board with bringing something really special to it. So, hopefully, that\u2019s conveyed on screen.\u201d <\/p>\n

Below, during a recent conversation with THR<\/em>, Carrigan also looks back on the conclusion of Barry<\/em> and the tonal shift of his beloved Chechen mobster, NoHo Hank. <\/p>\n

\n

I rewatched a bit of Barry<\/em> last night, and I happened to hear NoHo Hank say the line, \u201cI understand Cristobal and I are [a] total unicorn situation.\u201d So I thought that was a nice link to the present. <\/p>\n

(Laughs.) That\u2019s really funny. I forgot about that line. Maybe it\u2019s worth a rewatch just for that alone. God, I really do miss that show, though. It was such a great experience, and it opened the doors for so many things moving forward, Death of a Unicorn<\/em> being one of them. <\/p>\n

In this case, did the A24 label and a title like Death of a Unicorn<\/em> do a lot of the convincing? <\/p>\n

Well, obviously, all things unicorn just really capture my interest. I\u2019ll probably sign up for any \u201cunicorn situation.\u201d Honestly, the script itself was the thing that really piqued my interest. It was so good and so much fun to read. It\u2019s a really good sign if I go from reading a script to then just watching the movie unfold while the pages are turning, and that\u2019s exactly what happened. So I was pretty instantaneously hooked, and I wanted to be a part of this project. <\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s grade school or any walk of life, there\u2019s always a \u201ccool kids\u201d table. Does A24 feel like the industry\u2019s cool kids table right now? <\/p>\n

It certainly is very cool. It\u2019s amazing to have a production house that is able to succeed on a large level by bringing independent films to the forefront. It\u2019s my hope, especially in this really turbulent time in the industry, that there\u2019s more of a renaissance of championing and celebrating independent film. Ultimately, the old models aren\u2019t working, and I think that studios like A24 will continue to bring their A-game. <\/p>\n

Unicorn<\/em>\u2019s inciting incident is when Elliot (Paul Rudd) and Ridley Kintner (Jenna Ortega) hit a unicorn with their rental car en route to the Leopold family lodge. It actually reminded me of when my high school basketball team\u2019s bus hit a Clydesdale horse on the way back from a road game late at night. <\/p>\n

Oh my god, that\u2019s crazy. What an unfortunate circumstance. <\/p>\n

Yeah, it was a whole thing. Have you had your own precarious encounter with a wild or domesticated animal? <\/p>\n

The only thing that\u2019s popping out to me right now is getting bucked off of a horse. I was at a friend\u2019s wedding in South Dakota, and we all went for this ride on these horses. But my horse was feeling a bit saucy that day, and as we were going at a gallop, the horse just didn\u2019t feel like carrying me anymore. So he bucked me off at a gallop, and I took a bit of a tumble. But then my horse and I began to see more eye to eye. Ultimately, the moral of the story is to respect nature and just know that you really have no control. <\/p>\n

You play Griff, the trusted butler, or the Alfred, to the Leopold family. And my favorite running gag is how dejected he looks whenever he\u2019s asked for something outlandish, be it an omelette station or a large format printer. I understand you took a lot of cues from the comedy of the silent film era? <\/p>\n

Yeah, that\u2019s right. For the majority of the film, my character is not taking focus in any way, especially in terms of not talking. But he\u2019s in service of this family and all of its ridiculousness. So it was this balance of swooping in to take care of something and then gracefully just disappearing into the background. It seems like it\u2019s simple, but you really do need to create this body language that is telling a story. It might not necessarily seem that way, but you do have to convey exactly what the character is going through. So I watched a lot of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. <\/p>\n

When you\u2019re in a scene with eight other actors and you\u2019re not speaking, how often would you do some bit of business in case the viewer decides to zero in on you? <\/p>\n

Well, as an actor, you always want to be filling the moment with what your character is experiencing. But in terms of Griff, you have to just turn the volume down slightly. The fun thing about Death of a Unicorn<\/em> is that, depending on what you\u2019re focused on, you get something different each time. If you focus on T\u00e9a Leoni or Will Poulter, you\u2019ll get two different things in terms of watching the film. <\/p>\n

One of my favorite moments in the film is when Odell [Richard E. Grant] is confronted by the unicorns, and it\u2019s very high stakes. T\u00e9a\u2019s character, Belinda, is watching this, and she is so hopeful and impressed by her husband. And right behind her is Griff, who\u2019s absolutely terrified. He does not think this is going to go well at all, so that kind of juxtaposition makes the movie what it is. <\/p>\n

There\u2019s a great background moment where Griff is frantically lighting incense or whatever it is. <\/p>\n

Yes! He\u2019s smudging the room. There\u2019s no shortage of appropriation in this film. <\/p>\n

Are there plenty of outtakes in which characters call for Griff and ask him for any number of things? <\/p>\n

Yeah, those moments definitely became a bit of a gag, but at the end of the day, you really do need to keep what\u2019s important and what moves the story forward. There was no shortage of hilarity that was cut, but it ultimately didn\u2019t move things forward. So, in terms of butler language, it\u2019s all about being in service of the film and keeping things accelerated. <\/p>\n

Before Ridley (Jenna Ortega) and Elliot Kintner (Paul Rudd) arrived for their visit, do you think Griff was already at wit\u2019s end with the Leopolds? <\/p>\n

Yeah, the amount that is asked of him is unheard of. He\u2019s working for absolutely horrible people, and that\u2019s got to have an effect on your psyche no matter how good you are at your job. You begin to see, especially under the circumstances [with the unicorn], the deterioration and just how much he\u2019s at his wit\u2019s end. But as things progress, you start to see that Griff is really one of the only competent people while everything is unraveling. <\/p>\n

When real-life families like the Leopolds watch movies with these same themes, do you think they ever take a hard look in the mirror? <\/p>\n

Well, it\u2019s our hope that a Sackler-type family will watch this film and go, \u201cYou know what? Maybe we shouldn\u2019t exploit resources.\u201d But ultimately, no. I don\u2019t think [it\u2019ll prompt self-reflection]. If anything, it\u2019s cathartic for audiences to see rich, greedy, horrible people get their comeuppance. <\/p>\n

Unicorn<\/em> kicks off a very big year for you. Have you seen pieces of Superman<\/em> yet during ADR and whatnot? <\/p>\n

I haven\u2019t seen anything, just the trailers. But I\u2019m very excited. I tend to forget quite easily that I\u2019m a part of this movie. So anytime someone reminds me of it, I\u2019m like, \u201cOh, yeah, Superman<\/em>. Yes, I am in that.\u201d And it just blows my mind every time. <\/p>\n

What kind of tone would you say it is? Is it comparable to Guardians of the Galaxy<\/em>? <\/p>\n

Well, I am hesitant to liken it to Guardians<\/em>, but I do think that it has the same heart and intelligence. That\u2019s James\u2019 trademark. But I think it\u2019s going to be its own thing entirely. That\u2019s what\u2019s going to do it the most justice. The process of working on it was such a special one, and the whole cast was on board with bringing something really special to it. So, hopefully, that\u2019s conveyed on screen. <\/p>\n

You played a couple DC characters on TV by way of The Flash<\/em> and Gotham<\/em>. Did that version of you ever think he\u2019d someday be a part of one of the most consequential DC movies of all time? <\/p>\n

I had no idea, but I have no idea what\u2019s around the bend at any point \u2026 <\/p>\n

I\u2019m referring more to the ambition of it all. Did you still think that something like that was in the cards for you? <\/p>\n

Oh, 100 percent. In an industry where you have so little control as to what is going to come your way, you really do have no idea. But I did sit down with my reps and tell them: \u201cI want to be a part of really wonderful storytelling. I want to be involved in things that are very smart, with the best types of studios that are really artsy and fun. But I also want to be a part of the biggest storytelling you can be a part of. I want to be a part of magnificent things that are going to really move people.\u201d And ultimately, you can\u2019t get any bigger than Superman<\/em>. So I really do feel like we\u2019ve hit that sweet spot with A24 and Superman<\/em>. <\/p>\n

You also reunited with Alex Winter for a movie called Adulthood<\/em>. Did you strike up a friendship on Bill & Ted Face the Music<\/em>? <\/p>\n

Yeah, we sure did. I love Alex. He\u2019s such a brilliant guy, and we have so much fun working together. When he reached out to me that he had this script, I immediately said, \u201cYes, sign me up.\u201d And as soon as I read it, I began to drop in and find the character\u2019s voice. So I knew pretty immediately that I was on board and wanted to work with him again. And I\u2019m very happy I did because it was such a great experience. <\/p>\n

Bill Hader said that when he told you they wanted to reshoot Hank\u2019s final scene so that Sally (Sarah Goldberg) wasn\u2019t the one to place Hank\u2019s hand on Cristobal\u2019s statue hand, you remarked, \u201cOh, thank god.\u201d Had that been eating away at you until he said something? <\/p>\n

I don\u2019t think it had been eating away at me, but especially with a story arc like Barry<\/em>, you want to end things in a way that is continuous with the entire story. It was such a huge moment, and I think we were all a little bit unsure as to whether or not that moment worked. So anytime you get a chance to be able to reconcile that and go back in to do something that feels right, you\u2019re very grateful. You don\u2019t always get to do that. Sometimes, it just is what it is, and that\u2019s what\u2019s locked in, forever. <\/p>\n

Hank took quite a dark turn in the final season. I still think about his final scene with Cristobal (Michael Irby). Did you welcome that tonal shift after being a comedic weapon for so long? <\/p>\n

Oh, I absolutely welcomed it. It\u2019s Shakespearean, honestly. Barry<\/em> starts as a comedy, albeit with some really dark elements, but it ends as a tragedy. It was very surprising and quite jarring for a lot of audience members. But ultimately, that\u2019s what had the most lasting impact. You had these characters that were making these really horrible decisions, and the only real way to finish everything off was to show the consequences of their decisions and not being completely honest with themselves. So I think the ending was quite poetic. <\/p>\n

\n

Death of a Unicorn<\/em> opens in movie theaters on March 28.<\/p>\n

Anthony Carrigan Talks \u201cDeath of a Unicorn\u201d and James Gunn\u2019s Superman<\/strong><\/p>\n

Anthony Carrigan has emerged as one of Hollywood’s most versatile talents, captivating audiences with his performances in various genres. Known for his roles in shows like \u201cBarry\u201d and \u201cGotham,\u201d Carrigan is no stranger to complex characters that galvanize viewers. This time, he finds himself in the spotlight for his work in the indie film \u201cDeath of a Unicorn,\u201d while simultaneously stirring excitement about the future of the Superman franchise under the innovative vision of James Gunn.<\/p>\n

"Death of a Unicorn"<\/h3>\n

\u201cDeath of a Unicorn\u201d is a whimsical yet poignant tale that examines the collision between fantasy and reality. In it, Carrigan plays the lead, a character that grapples with profound themes of grief, loss, and the struggle to hold onto the magical aspects of life amid the burdens of adulthood. The narrative thrusts him into a fantastical journey that intertwines humor, drama, and introspective moments, bringing to light the way people deal with personal tragedies.<\/p>\n

In recent interviews, Carrigan expressed enthusiasm for taking on this project, noting, \u201cThe script drew me in with its mix of absurdity and heart. This film is a celebration of those fleeting moments of magic that often get buried under the weight of our responsibilities. It\u2019s not just about losing innocence but also about what it means to rediscover it.\u201d This sentiment reflects a core theme in Carrigan’s body of work\u2014embracing the humor and beauty of the human experience, even when it teeters on the brink of sorrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cDeath of a Unicorn\u201d exemplifies Carrigan\u2019s knack for finding the delicate balance between comedy and drama. His performance denotes a wide range of emotions, which he relays with a quiet intensity that resonates with audiences. As he navigates his character\u2019s journey, Carrigan skillfully embodies the dynamic of yearning and acceptance, making the film both relatable and profound.<\/p>\n

The Creative Vision of James Gunn<\/h3>\n

Beyond his involvement in \u201cDeath of a Unicorn,\u201d Carrigan’s fanbase eagerly anticipates the reimagined Superman film that James Gunn is slated to direct. Gunn, who has made waves with his unique storytelling in the \u201cGuardians of the Galaxy\u201d series, is expected to bring his trademark balance of humor and heart to the iconic superhero tale. Fans are keen to see how his creative lens will reshape Superman, a character synonymous with hope and virtue.<\/p>\n

While Anthony Carrigan is not part of the Superman project, he has shared his admiration for Gunn\u2019s approach to filmmaking. \u201cJames is a genius,\u201d Carrigan remarked in a recent discussion about the director\u2019s vision. \u201cHe understands characters at a fundamental level and has a rare talent for infusing them with vitality and depth. I believe he will breathe new life into Superman, making it a modern story that resonates with audiences today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gunn\u2019s take on Superman has been met with both excitement and apprehension. Fans hold high expectations for a character that has seen numerous reinterpretations over the decades. Carrigan, however, embraces the shift. He believes that reinvention is essential for keeping legacy characters relevant: \u201cSuperman stands for so much. But it\u2019s important that his story evolves. With James leading that charge, I think we\u2019re in for something very special.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Magic of Authenticity<\/h3>\n

In both \u201cDeath of a Unicorn\u201d and the anticipated Superman film, authenticity and emotional resonance play paramount roles. Carrigan believes that now, more than ever, stories grounded in sincere human experiences are needed. \u201cWe live in a time where audiences crave relatability,\u201d he explained. \u201cWhether it\u2019s the allure of magical realism in \u2018Death of a Unicorn\u2019 or Superman\u2019s enduring fight for justice, what’s crucial is the emotional authenticity behind them.\u201d<\/p>\n

His insights shed light on a broader industry trend: filmmakers and actors increasingly prioritize storytelling that reflects true human connection. As Carrigan dives deeper into his career, he aims to be part of narratives that resonate on a profound level. With projects like \u201cDeath of a Unicorn,\u201d he showcases his dedication to this ethos, and with the promise of new life in Superman, the industry may be ripe for a renaissance.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\n

As Anthony Carrigan embarks on the release of \u201cDeath of a Unicorn,\u201d he sets the stage for another chapter in his remarkable career. His enthusiasm for storytelling, combined with his appreciation for visionary directors like James Gunn, positions him as a key figure in the evolving landscape of Hollywood. With the blend of fantasy and reality in \u201cDeath of a Unicorn\u201d and the promise of a fresh take on Superman, both Carrigan and Gunn hold the power to inspire audiences, reminding them that amidst despair, hope is often just a spark away. Whether through the lens of a magical unicorn or the cape of a flying superhero, Carrigan embodies the spirit of resilience and the timeless quest for meaning in their stories.<\/p>\n

In a recent discussion, Anthony Carrigan shared insights about his role in “Death of a Unicorn,” a film that explores themes of loss and transformation through the lens of a fantastical narrative. Carrigan, known for his unique ability to infuse humor and depth into his characters, described how the project resonated with him on a personal level. <\/p>\n

Furthermore, he touched on the impact of James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film, expressing excitement about the fresh direction Gunn is taking with the iconic character. Carrigan highlighted the significance of reinvention in the superhero genre and how Gunn\u2019s vision could inspire a new generation of fans while honoring the legacy of Superman.<\/p>\n

Overall, Carrigan\u2019s reflections capture the essence of balancing creativity with respect for established narratives, as he navigates his roles in both unconventional and beloved stories.<\/p>\n

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What motivated Anthony Carrigan to pursue both independent and blockbuster projects? How does Carrigan describe his character Griff in the film Death of a Unicorn? In what ways did Carrigan prepare for his role in Death of a Unicorn? How does Carrigan perceive the tone of Superman compared to Guardians of the Galaxy? What themes […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":110274,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[24689,25938,7911,25939,4372,1739,3663,25940,14936],"class_list":["post-111070","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mazagine","tag-anthony","tag-carrigan","tag-discusses","tag-gunns","tag-james","tag-loss","tag-project","tag-superman","tag-unicorn"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/111070","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=111070"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/111070\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/110274"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=111070"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=111070"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=111070"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}