Pete Davidson is known for his unique humor and laid-back style, usually seen in comedy. However, it seems he is really spreading his wings lately. He is stepping into two very different movie worlds this year, showing off sides we do not always get to see. He has an action comedy with some seriously famous names, and a horror movie that looks pretty unsettling. It is clear Davidson is not sticking to just one kind of story.
First up is the action comedy The Pickup. Amazon MGM Studios just gave us a release date and some first-look pictures for this one. This movie is set to come out globally on Prime Video on August 6. It sounds like a wild ride from the start. I always like seeing actors try something outside their comfort zone, and action comedy certainly fits that for Davidson.
The film is directed by Tim Story, who made The Blackening and Barbershop. The Pickup follows a routine cash pickup that takes a sudden bad turn. Two armored truck drivers, Russell (Eddie Murphy) and Travis (Pete Davidson), get ambushed. Ruthless criminals led by a clever mastermind, Zoe (Keke Palmer), are after more than just the cash. As chaos unfolds, the unlikely duo must get through some serious danger, deal with their different personalities, and somehow survive a very bad day that just keeps getting worse. It sounds like a classic buddy-comedy setup, with an action twist.
Eddie Murphy, Keke Palmer, and Pete Davidson Star in the Upcoming Action Comedy The Pickup
A Look at the Star-Filled Cast and the Wild Storyline of This New Movie
The cast for The Pickup is really impressive. Alongside Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, and Keke Palmer, the movie also features Eva Longoria, Marshawn Lynch, Joe “Roman Reigns” Anoa’i, Andrew Dice Clay, and Ismael Cruz Córdova. That is a lot of talent packed into one film. Having Eddie Murphy in an action comedy feels like a return to some of his classic roles. I am curious to see how his style mixes with Davidson's. Palmer as the "savvy mastermind" villain also sounds like a fun choice.
Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider wrote the script for The Pickup. The producers on the project include John Davis, John Fox, Eddie Murphy, Tim Story, and Charisse Hewitt-Webster. With this many creative people involved, it is probably going to be a loud and funny ride. I imagine there will be plenty of jokes coming from Davidson’s character, Travis, especially given the "clashing personalities" mentioned in the movie’s description. It is a big swing for Davidson, moving from his usual comedy into something with more explosions.
The pictures released so far show Davidson in what looks like an armored truck, looking a bit shocked or in trouble. This movie might just be a chance for him to reach an even wider audience. Action comedies often bring in a lot of viewers, and with these big names, it is hard to imagine it not finding its way onto many watch lists this summer. I am always interested when comedians take on these kinds of roles because they often bring a unique timing and unexpected humor to the action scenes.
Pete Davidson Ventures Into Terrifying New Territory With The Home Horror Film
From Community Service to a Chilling Mystery Inside a Creepy Retirement Home
On a totally different note, Pete Davidson is also starring in a horror-thriller called The Home. Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate just released a trailer for this one, and it looks pretty intense. The movie sees Davidson in a much darker role, which is a big change from his comedy background. It is hitting theaters on July 25, so we will get to see his serious side very soon.
The Home comes from James DeMonaco, the creator of The Purge series. Bill Block, known for producing Halloween, is also involved. The trailer starts with Davidson’s character, Max, getting a job at a retirement home as part of community service. He gets a clear warning: keep the place clean and stay off the fourth floor because those patients need "special attention." Of course, things quickly get strange, and Max discovers the residents have some very dark secrets. I always knew Davidson had a good range, but this feels like a significant jump.
One resident warns him: "There is something wrong with this place. Something very wrong." The trailer shows a patient's painting where the subjects are covered in black paint. We also see another patient banging on a window covered in blood before falling to his death. The scenes get more and more frightening, suggesting the patients might have a thirst for blood. One intense moment near the end shows Davidson gagged and tied to a chair while someone gets close to his eye with a needle. This film certainly gives seniors at a retirement home an unexpected and creepy hobby.
What Else Can We Expect From Pete Davidson's Role In The Home?
A Look At The Director's Vision And How Davidson's Character Connects To His Past
Director James DeMonaco explained his vision for The Home, saying he wanted to capture the "spine-chilling eeriness of 70s horror." He wanted suspense to slowly build up and then explode into "glorious chaos." He expressed his excitement about Davidson joining, calling him his "Staten Island brother." DeMonaco said Davidson "unveils a darker, dramatic side as his character navigates a bizarre group of residents in an old age home." The director also promised an "epic blood-soaked finale," designed to leave audiences "gasping, terrified, and cheering." It sounds like he is not holding back at all.
The official description of The Home adds another layer to the plot. It says Max, the troubled man Davidson plays, starts to uncover connections to his own past and upbringing as a foster child as he investigates the building and its forbidden fourth floor. This personal connection could give the horror story more depth than just scary moments. The film also stars John Glover, Ethan Phillips, Bruce Altman, and Marilee Talkington. It is a solid cast to bring this terrifying tale to life.
This is not Davidson’s first go at horror, though. In 2022, he was in the black comedy horror film Bodies Bodies Bodies. That movie, directed by Halina Reijn, was about a group of friends playing a murder mystery game that goes wrong at a getaway house. That film received good reviews, proving Davidson can handle the genre. So, while The Home looks much more straight-up horror, he has some experience. I am sure it will be interesting to see how he manages this more intense role.
Pete Davidson's Diverse Film Choices and What They Mean For His Career Path
From Saturday Night Live to Exploring Different Genres on the Big Screen
Pete Davidson first became widely known for his time on Saturday Night Live and his stand-up comedy. Over the years, he has slowly started taking on roles that stretch his acting abilities beyond just making people laugh. Films like The King of Staten Island showed his dramatic range. Now, with an action comedy like The Pickup and a full-on horror film like The Home, he is clearly making a point to explore different kinds of stories and characters.
This kind of diverse approach can be really smart for an actor. It stops them from being pigeonholed into one type of role. It also allows them to work with a wider range of directors and co-stars, which can only make them better at their craft. I think it is great when someone who has built a career in comedy takes these risks. They often surprise audiences and critics alike. It shows a real desire to be seen as a versatile performer, not just a comedian. Davidson is certainly carving out a unique path for himself in Hollywood.
Both The Pickup and The Home offer something new for fans of Pete Davidson. Whether you are looking for laughs mixed with high-stakes chases, or chilling suspense and dark secrets, he has a movie coming out for you. It will be fun to watch how these films perform and what other unexpected roles Davidson takes on in the future. He seems to be someone who likes to keep us guessing, and I am here for it.