The Pickupis the latest action/comedy fromFantastic Fourdirector Tim Story, led by an impressive ensemble of popular actors and comedians. The film centers around two truck drivers who are ambushed by dangerous criminals, forcing an unlikely duo to work together under duress.Reviews forThe Pickuphave been fairly mixed, with many critics left underwhelmed by messy storytelling.
The film marks the latest in anongoing string of direct-to-streaming action/comedies at Amazon Studios, following the likes ofDeep Coverearlier this year. Despite its underwhelming Rotten Tomatoes score of just 36%,The Pickupbridges several generations of comedy, with older veterans of the scene meeting younger breakthrough comedians in this lighthearted action movie.
Eddie Murphy As Russell Pierce
Actor: Eddie Murphy was born in New York City in 1961, and shot to fame as aregular cast member ofSaturday Night Livethroughout the early ‘80s. During this period, he starred in comedy projects such asTrading PlacesandBeverly Hills Cop, which are still considered some ofEddie Murphy’s best movies.
After further successes in comedy throughComing to AmericaandDr. Dolittle,Murphy both won a Golden Globe and was nominated at the Academy Awards for his supporting role inDreamgirls.He’s also provided some iconic voice performancesin animated family movies, including Donkey in theShrekfranchise and Mushu in Disney’sMulan.
Character: InThe Pickup, Murphy plays an armored truck driver named Russell Pierce, who gets caught up in an ambitious robbery scheme on the day of his 25th wedding anniversary. Despite his partner’s pleas to comply with their demands and give up the truck’s money, Russell decides to take a stand.
Pete Davidson As Travis Stolly
Actor: Pete Davidson wasborn in New York City in 1993, where healsobroke through onSaturday Night Live. The actor has worked frequently with comedians such as Bill Hader and John Mulaney, and has released multiple stand-up specials alongside his acting work. Davidson’s movie credits includeThe King of Staten Island,The Suicide Squad, andBodies Bodies Bodies.
Character: Davidson’s character inThe Pickup, Travis Stolly, is a young and self-centered rookie whom Russell reluctantly takes under his wing for their delivery. Although he always wanted to be a police officer, he couldn’t quite pass the exams - and got stuck driving instead.
Keke Palmer As Zoe
Actor: Keke Palmer was born in Harvey, Illinois, in 1993, and began her career as an actress at age 11 with a role inBarbershop 2: Back in Business. Palmer continued acting throughout her teenage years, with starring roles in Nickelodeon projectsTrue Jackson, VP, andWinx Club. She went on to receive critical acclaim for her roles inNopeandOne Of Them Days.
Character: Zoe is the main antagonist ofThe Pickup, and the leader of the criminals who assault Russell and Travis' armored van. However, it soon becomes clear that she’s looking for much more than the cash they’re delivering. In addition to beingThe Pickup’s main villain, she’s also a love interest to Travis, who mistakenly falls for her just days before the heist.
Eva Longoria As Natalie Pierce
Actor: Eva Longoria was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1975 and became famous following her recurring role as Isabella on CBS’The Young and the Restless.From there,Longoria went on to star inDesperate Housewivesfor eight yearsbetween 2004 and 2012.Eva Longoria’s movie creditsincludeThe Sentinel, For Greater Glory, andFlamin’ Hot- which she also directed.
Character: Natalie Pierce is the wife of Eddie Murphy’s protagonist Russell, and she spends much ofThe Pickupworrying about her husband while he’s absent at work. However, when Natalie suspects that something more sinister is at play, she becomes a more integral part of the film’s high-octane story.
The Pickup Supporting Cast & Characters
Andrew Dice Clay as Clark -Andrew Dice Clay is a popular American comedian who rose to prominence throughout the 1980s with his comedy persona, The Diceman. InThe Pickup, he plays Russell and Travis’s controlling boss, Clark, who grows restless with his two employees when they divert from the regular schedule.
Marshawn Lynch as Chop Shop -Marshawn Lynch is an American actor and former NFL star who played primarily as a running back for the Seattle Seahawks. InThe Pickup, he plays Chop Shop, an associate of Zoe and her criminal accomplices who may have bitten off more than he can chew.
Jack Kesy as Banner -Jack Kesy plays Banner inThe Pickup, one of three criminal masterminds who attempt to rob the armored truck from Russell and Travis. Kesy’s previous acting credits includeDeadpool 2andHellboy: The Crooked Man.
Ismael Cruz Cordova as Miguel -Miguel is the final member of Zoe’s criminal gang, recognizable for his short temper and willingness to bend the rules to his whim. Cordova’s previous roles includeMary Queen of ScotsandThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
Roman Reigns as MMA Fighter -WWE superstar Roman Reigns makes a cameo appearance inThe Pickupas an unnamed MMA fighter who’s performing at a nearby casino. This isn’t Reigns' first time acting, as he’s previously appeared inThe Wrong MissyandFast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.
