Eddie Murphy, the iconic American comedian and actor known for his vibrant humour since the 1980s, has made a name for himself from his days on Saturday Night Live (SNL) to leading roles in the Beverly Hills Cop series.
Murphy's illustrious career includes headlining movies such as The Nutty Professor, voicing the endearing Donkey in Shrek, and securing a Golden Globe for his performance in Dreamgirls.
At 64, Murphy is collaborating with SNL colleague Pete Davidson in the forthcoming heist comedy, The Pickup. Directed by Tim Story, the film features an odd couple of armoured truck drivers: Murphy's rule-abiding veteran, Russell Pierce, and Davidson's impulsive newcomer, Travis Stolly.
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They find themselves outwitted during a cash pickup by Keke Palmer's character Zoe, a cunning strategist.
Murphy, who is also producing the movie, disclosed that Davidson wasn't their first choice until they witnessed his talent on SNL. "When we first started off, we weren't thinking of Pete," Murphy admitted.
He was struck by Davidson's homage to him on SNL, saying, "Then I saw him on SNL, he was hosting and told this story about seeing one of my tapes when he was a kid. And it was like, oh wow, he's been watching for a long time."
Murphy praised Davidson's comedic flair and suitability for the role, noting, "And he is funny, and he'd be perfect for the role of Travis because girls love him, and it all just fell together. It was perfect."
Murphy's character, Russell, is the epitome of experience and adherence to protocol, forming a stark contrast with Davidson's Travis, who is an exuberant police academy dropout.
"We're total opposites. Russell is about to retire, and he does everything by the book, a serious married guy," Murphy elucidates.
"And Travis is the new guy, a loose cannon.
"In person, Pete's a wonderful guy, a wonderful kid. This kid's going places."
Davidson, aged 31, confessed that he didn't bother reading the script when the film was pitched to him; the mere presence of his hero Murphy in the cast was enough to convince him.
"I just saw Eddie Murphy was in it and I was like, yeah, sure," Davidson admits.
"And then I found out I was... really in it. And I was like... that's great!".
Describing his own role, Davidson says: "Travis is an innocent, kind of special little idiot.
"He means well and I think he hopes for the best in people. But he's easily duped.
"And he's partnered up with an older guy who doesn't really like him very much. Travis' dream is to be a cop. I don't think it'll ever happen, but it's good to dream."
Davidson reflects on the rapport he shared with Murphy during the shoot.
"We're both from New York. We both hit it off. We both were on SNL. He was a little better than I was on that show, but we still... were on it together," he remarks.
Palmer, also 31, expressed that collaborating with Murphy on this project was "an absolute honour".
The American actress and singer expressed her admiration for working alongside the legendary Eddie Murphy, saying: "I grew up watching him. He is an icon in every way. So, being on set with him, for me, is a lot of observing," and highlighting the importance of learning from his experience, she added, "Definitely a lot of listening to his stories in between takes and set ups and asking him questions. But then also watching him as a performer."
She reflected on Murphy's approach to comedy, noting: "I think when we think about Eddie Murphy, a lot of times we think, boom, comedy, but so much of his comedy comes from reality."
She continued to praise his craft by stating, "When you see a master like him truly at work, you realise how true that is because everything is rooted in story. And that has been so awesome to just observe and learn from."
Discussing her own role, Palmer described her character Zoe as complex, explaining: "I would have to explain my character Zoe as a bit of an anti-hero."
She elaborated on Zoe's journey, saying, "When we first meet her, we think that she's one way, then we find out that she's another way, but then we come back to this place where we realise she really has a good heart."
She also touched on the relatability of Zoe's actions: "And even though what she's doing is wrong, she's doing it for reasons that, in many ways, maybe we all could relate to."
Eva Longoria, who stars as Russell's wife in the film, faced challenges within her role when their characters' anniversary plans are interrupted. Longoria, 50, famed for her part in Desperate Housewives, was thrilled at the opportunity to act with Murphy, sharing her excitement: "I couldn't believe it when they called me and they were like, do you want to do a movie with Eddie Murphy?" says Longoria.
"I think I learned everything I know about comedy from Eddie Murphy movies growing up.
"To have the opportunity to play his wife and to see the relationship between Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson and then to be on set and go, my God, they're geniuses together. They're so funny."
Longoria characterises Natalie and Russell's marriage as "one of the healthiest marriages" she's ever portrayed on screen.
"They have a really strong marriage," she elaborates.
"And this film is kind of centred around their anniversary and this timeline of, he's got to get home by his anniversary and things go awry.
"But you see how much he loves her, how much she matters and you see how much he matters to her.
"There's so much personality in their marriage in such a small amount of time. And you immediately get it, you know that couple. I've seen that couple."
Murphy adds: "This feels like one of the movies from the Eighties, because I'm in it and I'm from the Eighties.
"That's why it feels like a throwback film."
"The Pickup" is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on Wednesday, 6th August.
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