Eddie Murphy is set to bring his unique flair to the action-comedy genre once again with his new film “The Pickup,” which premieres on Prime Video on August 6. This venture reunites him with a comedic co-star, Pete Davidson, who adds a fresh dynamic to the story, much like Murphy’s earlier collaborations with Nick Nolte in “48 Hrs.” and Judge Reinhold in “Beverly Hills Cop.”
In “The Pickup,” Murphy portrays Russell Pierce, an armored truck driver whose main goal is to make it through a challenging shift to celebrate his anniversary with his wife, played by Keke Palmer. However, he gets paired with Davidson’s character, Travis, whose overly cheerful nature turns problematic when their truck is hijacked, forcing them to bond in a bid for survival.
The film’s blend of action and comedy draws from Murphy’s legacy in the genre, which he claims to have significantly influenced. He fondly recalls how “48 Hrs.” marked a shift in filmmaking, allowing tough characters to deliver humorous one-liners, a trend that became prevalent in the industry following its success.
Murphy’s admiration for Davidson is evident as he speaks about their contrasting backgrounds—Murphy being a seasoned comedian in his 60s and Davidson, at 31, representing a younger generation. He acknowledges the potential for humor stemming from their age gap and differing life experiences.
Alongside Murphy and Davidson, the film features Eva Longoria, enhancing its star-studded cast. Murphy is optimistic about the reception of “The Pickup” and hints at an upcoming sequel, showcasing his continued enthusiasm for creative projects. He also reveals there’s interest in a potential remake of the classic “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” indicating a desire to further intertwine his comedic legacy with newer talents like Davidson.
On a personal note, both Murphy and Davidson share a bond rooted in their experiences of losing their fathers at young ages, which informs their perspectives on parenting. Murphy offers an insightful reflection on the natural inclination parents have to nurture, underlining that being a good parent often requires less effort than being a bad one.
With “The Pickup,” audiences can expect a mix of humor, action, and heartfelt moments, further solidifying Murphy’s role as a pioneer in the action-comedy genre while introducing Davidson’s comedic talent to a broader audience. This collaboration looks to not only entertain but also resonate with viewers through shared life experiences and authentic connections.