Behind the Scenes: 'The Pickup' Teams Comedy and Chaos
If you think Eddie Murphy is always the wisecracking loose cannon, his newest role in The Pickup may surprise you. Murphy takes a big step away from his usual antics here, playing Russell Pierce—a grizzled, by-the-book armored truck driver counting down to retirement. It’s a fresh look for a comedian who’s spent decades as the fun, energetic guy in action comedies. Even Murphy admits he’s usually the "young maverick," but now he’s embracing the "old dude" persona, right at home with where he’s at in life and career.
The plot throws Murphy’s straight-laced Russell into utter chaos soon enough. He’s teamed up with Pete Davidson’s Travis Stolly, a rookie who fumbles more than he finesses. You know Davidson’s edgy, offbeat sense of humor—here, it’s cranked up as his character’s impulsive choices lead the pair straight into a wild ambush plotted by Keke Palmer’s Zoe.
Zoe's Plan and the Danger of Old Flames
Keke Palmer doesn’t play just another villain in this film. As Zoe, she’s whip-smart, unpredictable, and always one step ahead. What makes her stand out? She’s not some stock bad guy—she’s got history with Travis, turning their old fling into a source of tension, comedy, and, well, disaster. Her plan to hijack the armored truck blows up into a full-on attempt at a $60 million casino heist in Atlantic City. It’s a blend of slick action, sharp banter, and classic heist double-crosses. Palmer says she loved diving into a role where the antagonist isn’t all evil—Zoe’s got motives, secrets, and a wicked sense of humor.
Davidson is in his element bouncing joke after joke off Murphy’s steady vibe. There’s plenty of physical gags, awkward moments, and genuine chemistry. This isn’t just a shoot-em-up or one-liner fest—it mixes gunfights, wild car chases, and unexpected heart. The screenplay leans into the differences between the leads: the careful old-timer and the clueless rookie. Every time you think you know where it’s going, there’s a new swerve—plot twists are everywhere, keeping the whole thing feeling fresh and fun.
Rounding out the cast, Eva Longoria shows up as Russell’s wife, grounding his character and adding a personal touch to the stakes. Jack Kesy, known for villain roles, jumps in as an extra layer of trouble, pushing everyone to their limits.
Even though the story is all neon lights and Jersey grit, they shot it mostly in Atlanta, Georgia. The filmmakers used Atlanta’s lower costs and its ability to stand in for all sorts of cityscapes, swapping southern backdrops for the casinos and streets of Atlantic City.
The Pickup landed on Amazon Prime Video on August 6, 2025, bringing together names you’d never expect to see in the same scene. If you mix old-school action with new-era comedy and let a bunch of clever actors run wild, this is what you get. Murphy’s more restrained role lets his co-stars shine—turning what could’ve been a straightforward heist movie into something much more unpredictable and fun.
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