How Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson Built a Bromance You Didn’t See Coming

Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson surprised fans with unexpected chemistry during the filming of their upcoming action comedy “The Pickup.” At 64, Murphy found himself bonding with the 31-year-old Davidson in ways that transcended generation and genre, proving that true comedic camaraderie knows no age. The pair recently spoke with Variety about how they connected over more than comedy; they discovered shared life experiences and mutual respect amid high-stakes fun.

Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson Connect on The Pickup Set

Getty

Murphy said he connected deeply with Davidson. “I like working with Pete Davidson. I love his energy. He’s really funny and quick, smart, a good actor. I loved it,” Murphy said.

That affection was mutual. Davidson, who co-stars as a fellow armored car driver, opened up about the pressure of working alongside a legend. “I had some imposter syndrome because I was like, ‘This is my idol,’” Davidson said. “I feel unbelievably grateful and stoked and blessed to be in this.”

The bond wasn’t just about comedy. “We have a lot in common,” Murphy said. “Both lost our dads when we were eight, both ‘Saturday Night Live’ alumni, both stand-up comics.” Those parallels helped build a real friendship that bled into their on-screen chemistry.

Pete Davidson’s Riff Raff Role and Eddie Murphy’s Axel Foley Return

Davidson’s rising profile includes his upcoming role in “Riff Raff,” where he stars alongside Bill Murray and Jennifer Coolidge. Working with two comedy legends back-to-back has elevated his reputation as more than just a stand-up comic. He’s called both experiences creatively energizing and humbling, especially as he continues building a versatile acting career.

Meanwhile, Murphy recently reprised his most iconic role in “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” a long-awaited sequel that brought back the swagger of Axel Foley. Although reviews were mixed, Murphy’s presence and comedic timing were widely praised. “The Pickup” lets him shift into a new dynamic—this time sharing the screen with a younger comedic voice while still delivering action and laughs.

Directed by Tim Story, “The Pickup” premieres August 6, 2025 on Prime Video. Murphy and Davidson play armored car guards drawn into a casino heist led by Keke Palmer’s Zoe. The cast also includes Eva Longoria, Roman Reigns, Andrew Dice Clay, and Marshawn Lynch.

Their bond fueled by improvisation, mutual admiration, and shared history, elevates the film from standard action-comedy fare to something more personal and unexpected. It’s the kind of on-screen partnership that feels real because it is.

The post How Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson Built a Bromance You Didn’t See Coming appeared first on EntertainmentNow.