You've probably been seeing the headlines about Eddie Murphy’s latest project. It’s got a massive cast. Pete Davidson is in it. Keke Palmer is in it. Even Andrew "King Bach" Bachelor joined the fray. But if you head over to your favorite streaming app and type it in, you’re likely hitting a wall. Honestly, it's frustrating. You want to know where to watch The Pickup, but the reality of modern film distribution means "coming soon" often feels like "never."
Let's get one thing straight: The Pickup isn't out yet.
Movies don't just appear. They go through this grueling cycle of principal photography, reshoots, and post-production. Directed by Tim Story—the guy who gave us Ride Along and Barbershop—this film is currently one of the most anticipated titles under the Amazon MGM Studios banner. But because it’s an Amazon project, the answer to your "where to watch" question is actually pretty simple, even if the release date is still a moving target.
The Amazon MGM Connection: Your Primary Destination
When it finally drops, you'll find it on Prime Video. That’s the short answer.
Amazon MGM Studios bought the spec script by Matt Mider and Kevin Burrows in a massive bidding war. They aren't going to let this go to Netflix or Hulu. It’s their baby. They spent big money on it. If you have an Amazon Prime subscription, you’re basically set. If you don't, you'll probably be looking at a standalone Prime Video subscription or a digital rental via the usual suspects like Apple TV or Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu).
The industry is shifting. We used to see a theatrical window of 90 days. Now? It's anyone's guess. Amazon has been experimenting with "hybrid" releases. They put Air in theaters first. Then they put Road House (the Jake Gyllenhaal remake) straight to streaming. For a high-octane heist comedy like The Pickup, there is a very strong chance it hits select theaters for a week or two before living permanently on your television screen via the Prime app.
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Why the Buzz is So High (And Why We’re Still Waiting)
People are obsessed with where to watch The Pickup because of the sheer star power involved. Eddie Murphy is in a bit of a "renaissance" era. After Dolemite Is My Name and Coming 2 America, he’s proved that he can still carry a massive budget.
But there’s a darker reason the movie has been in the news.
During filming in Georgia back in April 2024, a sequence involving a truck and a car went sideways. It was a stunt accident. Several crew members were hospitalized. Whenever an on-set accident happens, production slows down. Safety investigations take place. It’s not just about the footage; it’s about the people. This likely pushed the timeline back further than the studio originally hoped. You can't rush a heist movie when the "heist" part involves dangerous practical effects that require absolute precision.
Breaking Down the Cast
If you’re looking for The Pickup specifically to see a certain actor, here is who is confirmed to be in the mix:
- Eddie Murphy: The lead. Expect the classic fast-talking energy.
- Pete Davidson: His role is still somewhat under wraps, but he's a huge draw for the younger demographic.
- Keke Palmer: Coming off the massive success of Nope, she brings a level of prestige to the comedy.
- Andrew Bachelor: You know him as King Bach.
- Eva Longoria: A late but major addition to the ensemble.
The plot involves a guy (Murphy) who falls for a woman and gets caught up in a heist. It’s been described as a "heist comedy," which is a genre that thrives on chemistry. If the chemistry between Murphy and Davidson works, this could be a huge hit for Amazon. If not? Well, it’ll be another "scroll past it" title in the endless digital library.
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What Most People Get Wrong About "Streaming Only" Releases
There is a common misconception that if a movie is on Prime Video, it’s "free." It's not. You're paying for the Prime ecosystem.
Also, don't expect it on physical media. Amazon, much like Netflix, is notoriously stingy about releasing Blu-rays or 4K discs. If you want to watch The Pickup, you’ll likely need a stable internet connection. Don't go looking for it on physical shelves at Walmart. Those days are mostly over for studio-produced streaming originals.
The Strategy for Watching it First
If you want to be the first to see it, keep an eye on the "New & Upcoming" tab in your Prime Video interface.
Typically, Amazon drops their big-budget titles on Thursdays at 8:00 PM Eastern Time (which is Midnight GMT). They do this so the "Friday release" hits the global market simultaneously. This happened with The Idea of You and Reacher. It’ll happen with this.
What to Watch While You Wait
Since you can't hit play on The Pickup tonight, you might want to scratch that itch with similar vibes.
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- Tower Heist: Also starring Eddie Murphy. It’s basically the blueprint for what this movie might be.
- The Instigators: On Apple TV+. It's a recent heist comedy that shares that "bubbly but dangerous" tone.
- Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F: If you just need your Eddie Murphy fix, this hit Netflix recently and proved he hasn’t lost his step.
Navigating Regional Restrictions
Where you watch The Pickup might change depending on your country. While Amazon MGM Studios usually holds global rights, some territories have weird licensing laws. For 99% of readers in the US, UK, and Canada, it’s Prime Video. However, if you are in a country where Prime Video isn't the dominant player, look for local distributors who often pick up MGM's slate.
Actionable Steps for the Viewer
Stop checking every single streaming service. You're wasting your time.
First, ensure your Amazon Prime membership is active or that you have a friend willing to share a login. Second, set a Google Alert for "The Pickup movie release date." Because the production had that aforementioned stunt accident, the post-production phase is being handled with extra care.
Third, watch the official Amazon MGM Studios YouTube channel. They usually drop trailers 8-12 weeks before a release. Once that trailer hits, you'll have the exact date. Until then, any site claiming they have a "full movie stream" of The Pickup is lying to you and probably trying to install malware on your laptop. Stick to the official channels.
The movie is coming. It’s just taking the long way around.
Next Steps:
- Check your Prime Video "Watchlist" settings and add Eddie Murphy as a followed actor to get automated notifications.
- Monitor industry trade publications like The Hollywood Reporter or Variety for any updates on the Georgia production wrap-up.
- Avoid "free movie" sites claiming to host the film; these are phishing risks until the official Prime Video debut.