Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson forged a unique bond while filming the action-comedy The Pickup, which debuted on Prime Video. The two actors, known for their comedic talents and Saturday Night Live backgrounds, unexpectedly connected through a shared love of iconic movies, particularly the Rocky series. Their close friendship provided a surprising dynamic on set, much to the amusement and confusion of their co-star Keke Palmer.
Bonding Through Shared Experiences and Movie Quotes
Murphy explained that he and Davidson found
“a bunch of stuff in common,”
highlighting that both began their careers in stand-up comedy and joined Saturday Night Live at a young age. Additionally, they shared the experience of losing their fathers around the age of seven or eight. This foundation of common ground helped them form an immediate connection, reinforced by their mutual admiration for the legendary boxer Rocky Balboa.
Davidson emphasized their enthusiasm for film, revealing to Entertainment Weekly that both he and Murphy knew every line from classic movies such as the Rocky franchise, Jaws, and The Sopranos. They frequently spent their downtime quoting dialogue from these favorites, sharing a continuous stream of references that often lasted for several minutes.
A Unique On-Set Dynamic That Left Others Amused
Keke Palmer described the chemistry between Murphy and Davidson as extremely close-knit, so much so that she felt like an outsider in their cinematic exchanges. She said,
“I literally felt like I was with my uncles,”
pointing out how deeply immersed the pair was in their back-and-forth quoting. Palmer noted that while she wasn’t personally invested in the Rocky series, the energy and playfulness between the two men was undeniable.
Davidson shared how these movie lines sometimes interrupted filming. He recalled the director Tim Story having to remind them,
“Yeah, we’re like waiting for you guys to stop — stop doing lines from other movies!”
Despite this, their coworkers enjoyed watching two friends sharing such a lighthearted connection on set.
The Origins of Their Collaboration and Mutual Respect
The collaboration between Murphy and Davidson began years earlier when Murphy returned to host Saturday Night Live in 2019 while Davidson was still a cast member. Murphy mentioned having met Davidson briefly during this time and feeling aware of his talent. Their significant working relationship took shape after Murphy was impressed by Davidson’s recounting of discovering Murphy’s 1983 stand-up special, Delirious, during an SNL episode in 2023.
Davidson expressed awe at Murphy’s desire to work with him, stating that being asked by Eddie Murphy to star alongside him was surreal, saying,
“Being told Eddie wants you to be in a movie with him is ridiculous. I was just like, what world am I in?”
This mutual admiration laid the groundwork for their strong working rapport in The Pickup.
Comedic Contrasts That Enhance Their On-Screen Chemistry
Murphy pointed out that a key factor in the success of the movie’s humor stems from the contrast between him and Davidson. He noted,
“The stuff that makes the movie work is opposites.”
He referenced classic comedy duos like Laurel and Hardy or Abbott and Costello to demonstrate that pairing a larger figure with a slimmer one often creates entertaining dynamics. Murphy added that their characters further emphasize this contrast through differences in age, lifestyle, and background.
In The Pickup, Murphy’s character is married and celebrating an anniversary, while Davidson’s is single and living a more carefree lifestyle. Additionally, Davidson stands 6’3“tall compared to Murphy’s 5’10”, and their racial backgrounds also offer a visual and cultural divergence that enriches their on-screen relationship. Murphy concluded that this blend of opposites fuels the chemistry that makes their partnership compelling.
Recognition of Growth and Generational Perspectives
Despite her limited interest in the Rocky films, Palmer appreciated witnessing the evolving artistry of Murphy alongside the youthful vigor of Davidson. She remarked on Murphy’s transformation from a “crazy, ratty kid” into a father figure and mentor, praising how the actor embodies his current roles with wisdom and presence. Palmer contrasted this with Davidson’s portrayal of a younger man still figuring out his path, highlighting the intriguing interplay of experience and youth captured in the film.
Palmer described the interaction between the two men as
“the amazing chemistry that you didn’t know you needed,”
appreciating how their dynamic enriched the movie beyond the script.
How Rocky References Became a Signature of Their Interaction
The Rocky franchise played a central role in Murphy and Davidson’s bonding ritual. Davidson shared that he often mutters famous lines from the films to himself, such as the exchange between Rocky and his trainer Mickey:
“My house, my house stink? That’s right, it stinks!”
He was relieved when Murphy picked up on this during filming and responded with Mickey’s lines, confirming their shared appreciation and humor.
They also invoked other characters from the franchise, including Apollo Creed, to end their workdays. Davidson described how every wrap-up would prompt them to repeat Creed’s line, “There is no tomorrow,” creating a playful signal that filming had ended for the day.
These long cinematic reenactments often stretched beyond brief quotes, with Davidson recalling that sometimes they would quote for eight minutes straight, indulging in a friendly rivalry of film references that left Palmer both entertained and bewildered.
The Importance of Their Friendship in a High-Profile Project
The friendship between Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson exemplifies how genuine connections among actors can enhance a film’s production and energy. Their rapport, filled with humor, shared history, and respect, contributed to the authentic feeling of camaraderie captured in The Pickup.
For Davidson, their relationship also provided reassurance amid the pressures of a high-profile film, helping him feel supported by a seasoned professional. Murphy’s acknowledgment of their differences as the source of their dynamic underscores a timeless formula in comedy that continues to resonate with audiences.
Their collaborative spirit, marked by playful Rocky reenactments and deep personal understanding, created a memorable environment during filming and is a significant part of the film’s appeal.
