The Pickup is the latest action/comedy from Fantastic Four director 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 for The Pickup have been fairly mixed, with many critics left underwhelmed by messy storytelling.

The film marks the latest in an ongoing string of direct-to-streaming action/comedies at Amazon Studios, following the likes of Deep Cover earlier this year. Despite its underwhelming Rotten Tomatoes score of just 36%, The Pickup bridges several generations of comedy, with older veterans of the scene meeting younger breakthrough comedians in this lighthearted action movie.

Eddie Murphy As Russell Pierce

• Date of Birth: April 3, 1961
• Active Since: 1976

Actor: Eddie Murphy was born in New York City in 1961, and sH๏τ to fame as a regular cast member of Saturday Night Live throughout the early ‘80s. During this period, he starred in comedy projects such as Trading Places and Beverly Hills Cop, which are still considered some of Eddie Murphy’s best movies.

After further successes in comedy through Coming to America and Dr. Dolittle, Murphy both won a Golden Globe and was nominated at the Academy Awards for his supporting role in Dreamgirls. He’s also provided some iconic voice performances in animated family movies, including Donkey in the Shrek franchise and Mushu in Disney’s Mulan.

• Previously In: Axel Foley in Beverley Hills Cop (1984), Sherman Klump in The Nutty Professor (1996), Donkey in Shrek (2001)

Character: In The 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

• Date of Birth: November 16, 1993
• Active Since: 2010

Actor: Pete Davidson was born in New York City in 1993, where he also broke through on Saturday 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 include The King of Staten Island, The Suicide Squad, and Bodies Bodies Bodies.

• Previously In: Scott Carlin in The King of Staten Island (2020), Blackguard in The Suicide Squad (2021), David in Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)

Character: Davidson’s character in The 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 pᴀss the exams – and got stuck driving instead.

Keke Palmer As Zoe

• Date of Birth: August 26, 1993
• Active Since: 2002

Actor: Keke Palmer was born in Harvey, Illinois, in 1993, and began her career as an actress at age 11 with a role in Barbershop 2: Back in Business. Palmer continued acting throughout her teenage years, with starring roles in Nickelodeon projects True Jackson, VP, and Winx Club. She went on to receive critical acclaim for her roles in Nope and One Of Them Days.

• Previously In: Mercedes in Hustlers (2019), Emerald Heywood in Nope (2022), Dreux in One Of Them Days (2025)

Character: Zoe is the main antagonist of The Pickup, and the leader of the criminals who ᴀssault 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 being The 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

• Date of Birth: March 15th, 1975
• Active Since: 1999

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 in Desperate Housewives for eight years between 2004 and 2012. Eva Longoria’s movie credits include The Sentinel, For Greater Glory, and Flamin’ H๏τ – which she also directed.

• Previously In: Gabrielle in Desperate Housewives (2004-2012), Jill in The Sentinel (2006), Elena in Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019)

Character: Natalie Pierce is the wife of Eddie Murphy’s protagonist Russell, and she spends much of The Pickup worrying 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. In The 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. In The Pickup, he plays Chop Shop, an ᴀssociate of Zoe and her criminal accomplices who may have bitten off more than he can chew.

Jack Kesy as Banner – Jack Kesy plays Banner in The Pickup, one of three criminal masterminds who attempt to rob the armored truck from Russell and Travis. Kesy’s previous acting credits include ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool 2 and Hellboy: 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 include Mary Queen of Scots and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

Roman Reigns as MMA Fighter – WWE superstar Roman Reigns makes a cameo appearance in The Pickup as an unnamed MMA fighter who’s performing at a nearby casino. This isn’t Reigns’ first time acting, as he’s previously appeared in The Wrong Missy and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.