Eddie Murphy, a longtime icon of the buddy comedy challenge, returns to the genre with his latest Prime Video film, The Pickup, released on August 6, 2025. Set against the backdrop of a high-stakes armored truck heist, the movie pairs Murphy with Pete Davidson in a story that blends action and humor while showcasing Murphy in an unexpected role.
Known for memorable roles in classics like Beverly Hills Cop and 48 Hrs, Murphy faces a new acting dynamic in this film, shifting from the youthful lead to the seasoned “old voice of reason.” This change marks a significant challenge for the Hollywood legend as he adjusts to playing a wiser character alongside a much younger co-star.
The Film’s Storyline and Character Dynamics
The Pickup follows two armored truck drivers—Murphy’s character and a younger, more impulsive colleague played by Davidson—who fall victim to a violent ambush by criminals during a routine cash pickup. As the duo must navigate the dangerous situation together, their contrasting personalities fuel both the tension and comedy of the story.
Murphy explains his intent behind the film’s humor, saying,
“I thought that the conflict between the young guy and the older guy, the white guy and the black guy and the married guy and the single guy would create comedy,”
—Eddie Murphy. This multi-layered contrast sets the stage for fresh, nuanced comedy that diverges from traditional buddy film formulas.
Reflecting on his career, Murphy remarks,
“It’s a buddy comedy, but now I’m not the young maverick, I’m the old voice of reason,”
—Eddie Murphy, highlighting the evolution of his roles in line with his age.
Exploring New Comedic Perspectives Through Characters
Throughout his 40-plus years of acting, Murphy has relished the opportunities to find humor from diverse perspectives. He cites earlier films like The Nutty Professor and Coming to America, where makeup and prosthetics allowed him to transform into distinctive characters and discover unique comedic voices.
He elaborates on this approach, saying,
“If I put on some makeup and you turn me into an old lady, now I have to be funny like an old lady. I can’t be funny in the same way, I have to find a way to be funny with that character.”
—Eddie Murphy. This philosophy underscores his commitment to evolving his craft rather than relying on familiar comedic patterns.
Director Tim Story’s Perspective on Working with Murphy
Director Tim Story, known for his work on both comedies and action films, praises Murphy for his ability to inject humor effortlessly into every scene. Story appreciates Murphy’s improvisational skills, which enrich the film’s dialogue beyond the written script.
Story recalls,
“Eddie told us early on that when it comes to the writing, don’t worry about the humour, he will make it funny. Just make sure the scenes make sense,”
—Tim Story. This trust in Murphy’s comedic instincts allowed the filming process to remain flexible and organic.
Murphy himself emphasizes the importance of a strong story, adding that comedy must be grounded in solid storytelling to engage audiences genuinely. He observes,
“How many times have you been to the movies and 10 minutes in you know that these people are going to have a fight, those people are going to sleep together and this is going to happen?”
—Eddie Murphy. He believes that unpredictability is essential to sustain interest and enjoyment.
He further notes,
“But a great story unfolds and you don’t know what’s going to happen. With a great story, within five minutes you get pulled into it and you’re not even trying to figure out what’s going to happen, you’re watching it as the story unfolds. You’ve got to have a good story at the centre of it.”
—Eddie Murphy.
Supporting Cast and On-Set Chemistry
Joining Murphy and Pete Davidson are notable talents such as Keke Palmer, who brings additional depth and energy to the film. The cast’s chemistry, particularly between Murphy and Davidson, is a key feature since much of the action takes place inside an armored truck, demanding strong interpersonal dynamics.
Both Murphy and Davidson share a background as former Saturday Night Live performers, which contributed to their seamless improvisational rapport on set. Davidson praises Murphy’s expertise, stating,
“The term GOAT is thrown around a lot today, but it actually does apply to him,”
—Pete Davidson. He describes the creative freedom given by director Story, adding,
“He gave us the trust to find fun stuff and we would find stuff that works and keep hammering it home and it was a blast. It was fun to work with someone who is exceptional at improv.”
—Pete Davidson.
Murphy echoes this, reflecting on the importance of improvisation,
“You give them the words that are on the paper and you give them some extra stuff or take some stuff out just to make it feel like a real conversation.”
—Eddie Murphy.
Keke Palmer on Collaborating with Murphy
Keke Palmer, who recently appeared in the buddy comedy One of Them Days, discusses how working alongside Murphy influenced her approach to comedy. She admires Murphy’s understated style and his ability to engage both the cast and the audience without overshadowing the moment.
Palmer remarks,
“He never overdoes anything, that’s the gift of Eddie Murphy,”
—Keke Palmer. She explains,
“He lets the situation be what it is and he builds the improv around the context that you maybe didn’t know was there.”
—Keke Palmer. She adds,
“He’s not only being the voice in the room but being the voice in the audience and he does that effortlessly. Seeing how he did that really empowered me in a lot of ways to do it that way too.”
—Keke Palmer.
The Pickup’s Anticipated Impact and Release Details
The Pickup represents an evolution in Eddie Murphy’s career, as he embraces the role of mentor and voice of experience, injecting fresh energy into the buddy comedy challenge. The film promises a blend of sharp humor, thrilling action, and compelling performances derived from genuine improvisational chemistry.
With its release on Prime Video, the movie will offer audiences a chance to experience a new chapter in Murphy’s extensive filmography. The combination of veteran talent, emerging stars, and a solid director like Tim Story positions The Pickup as a notable addition to the genre’s landscape.
Viewers can stream The Pickup starting Wednesday, August 6, 2025, on Prime Video, engaging with a story that balances humor, unpredictability, and action in a dynamic buddy comedy format.
