You’ve probably seen the headlines or scrolled past the thumbnail on your Prime Video feed. The Pickup was supposed to be the massive, cross-generational comedic collision we all wanted. You have the legend, Eddie Murphy, teaming up with the internet’s favorite "Big Boss," Keke Palmer, and the chaotic energy of Pete Davidson. On paper? It’s a slam dunk. In reality? The story behind this keke palmer eddie murphy movie is actually way more complicated than just another streaming release.
Between a terrifying on-set accident that landed crew members in the hospital and a plot that tries to be three different genres at once, The Pickup has become a major talking point for film nerds and casual streamers alike. Let's be real. We don’t get many heist comedies with this much star power anymore.
What Is The Pickup Actually About?
Basically, it’s a heist flick, but it’s told through the eyes of the guys driving the armored truck, not just the people robbing it. Eddie Murphy plays Russell, a veteran driver who is basically "one day away from retirement"—a trope as old as time, but Eddie plays it with that tired, relatable "I’m too old for this" energy. He’s stuck training Travis (Pete Davidson), a rookie who is, predictably, a total mess.
Then enters Keke Palmer.
Keke plays Zoe, a brilliant and honestly pretty terrifying criminal mastermind. She doesn't just show up with guns blazing; she actually seduces Pete Davidson’s character first to get the inside scoop on their route. It's a "bad date turned nightmare" scenario. The movie follows a single, chaotic day where a $60 million casino haul goes sideways, and Russell and Travis have to survive Zoe’s crew while navigating their own mismatched personalities.
Why the Cast Matters
Honestly, the chemistry—or lack thereof—is what people are fighting about online.
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- Eddie Murphy: He’s in his "legend" era. He’s not doing the high-energy Nutty Professor voices here. It’s more of a grounded, exasperated performance.
- Keke Palmer: She’s the standout. Period. Keke brings a sharp, "Robin Hood" vibe to a villain role that could have been very one-dimensional.
- Pete Davidson: If you like Pete, you’ll like this. He’s doing the classic Pete Davidson thing—bumbling, high-strung, and surprisingly capable when things get weird.
- The Support: You’ve got Eva Longoria as Eddie’s wife and even a cameo from WWE’s Roman Reigns. It’s a weirdly packed roster.
The On-Set Accident That Almost Shut It All Down
We have to talk about what happened during filming in Georgia. In April 2024, news broke that a "freak accident" occurred during a second-unit stunt sequence. This wasn't just a minor trip or a bruised ego. A car and a truck collided during a rehearsal, and several crew members were seriously injured.
Two people were hospitalized. One remained in the hospital for days with broken bones. Thankfully, neither Eddie, Keke, nor Pete were on set when it happened, but it cast a massive shadow over the production. Amazon MGM Studios released statements about safety protocols, but for a while, people weren't even sure if the keke palmer eddie murphy movie would make its 2025 release date.
It eventually wrapped filming in Rome, Georgia, in May 2024, but that accident is a reminder of how dangerous "simple" action comedies can actually be.
Is It Worth Your Saturday Night?
Look, the critics haven't been kind. The Pickup currently sits with some pretty rough reviews, with many calling it "generic." But since when do we trust critics for our weekend popcorn movies?
If you go in expecting Heat or Ocean's Eleven, you’re going to be annoyed. It’s a Tim Story movie. This is the guy who gave us Barbershop and Ride Along. He does "buddy-action" with a heavy emphasis on banter and ridiculous vehicle chases. There’s a specific sequence involving exploding dye packs that is actually genuinely funny—probably the highlight of the whole 94-minute runtime.
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The biggest gripe most people have is that the movie doesn't let Eddie Murphy be Eddie Murphy. He spends a lot of time looking bored or playing the "straight man" to Pete Davidson’s antics. On the flip side, seeing Keke Palmer play a high-stakes antagonist is something we definitely need more of. She has this way of commanding the screen that makes you forget the plot holes for a second.
The "Straight to Streaming" Factor
Released on August 6, 2025, on Prime Video, The Pickup is a classic "laundry-folding movie." You know the type. You can look away to match your socks, look back, and you haven't missed a single beat of the plot. Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily. In an era of three-hour epics, a 94-minute heist comedy is almost refreshing.
Practical Takeaways for Fans
If you're planning to watch or follow the career of these stars, here is the lowdown on what to do next.
1. Watch for the Keke-Pete Dynamic
The "first date" scene at the beginning of the movie is probably the best written part of the script. It sets up a weird romantic tension that the rest of the movie tries (and mostly fails) to maintain, but their individual charisma carries it.
2. Don't Expect a Cinema Release
Don't go looking for this in theaters. Amazon kept this one strictly for Prime Video. If you don't have a subscription, it’s not worth buying a standalone ticket for, but if you already have Prime, it’s a "free" win for a boring Tuesday night.
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3. Check Out Keke’s Other 2025 Work
If The Pickup leaves you wanting more of Keke (which it likely will), she’s also been getting rave reviews for One Of Them Days. She’s clearly trying to cement herself as the new queen of comedy, and she’s mostly succeeding.
4. The Eddie Murphy Renaissance
This movie is part of Eddie’s massive multi-picture deal with Amazon. While this one might be a mid-tier entry, it’s leading up to bigger projects, including more Beverly Hills Cop and Shrek content. Think of this as the "fun side project" rather than the main event.
Basically, The Pickup is exactly what it sounds like. It's a fast-paced, slightly messy, star-studded heist that won't change your life but will definitely entertain you for an hour and a half. Just don't expect the script to be as sharp as Keke Palmer’s suits.
If you want to see the best of this trio, pay attention to the action sequences. Despite the drama behind the scenes, the stunt team (post-accident) put together some solid car chases that feel way bigger than a standard streaming budget.