The Pickup (2025) is an action comedy that brings together a high-profile ensemble cast in a fast-paced story centered around a kidnapping gone wrong. Directed by Tim Story, the film follows a group of men who attempt to rescue a woman they believe is in danger, only to realize they’ve made a costly mistake. With a mix of seasoned actors and rising talent, The Pickup features a cast that spans both comedic and dramatic genres.
The main cast includes Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, Keke Palmer, Eva Longoria, Andrew Dice Clay, and Jack Kesy. Many of these actors are recognizable from past television and film work, which brings added attention to the project.
From prominent roles in hit series to appearances in blockbuster movies, the cast list covers a wide range of performances and industry experience. The Pickup was released on August 6, 2025, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, distributed by Amazon MGM Studios.
Who plays who in The Pickup?
Eddie Murphy plays Russell Pierce

Russell is a veteran armored truck driver who values routine, responsibility, and staying out of trouble. On the day of his wedding anniversary, all he wants is to finish work and go home to his wife, Natalie. But when he’s paired with an inexperienced partner and sent on a high-risk route, he’s forced to rely on instincts and skills he hasn’t used in years.
Murphy brings a mix of authority and subtle comedy to the role, building on his legacy from films like Beverly Hills Cop, Norbit, and Coming to America.
Pete Davidson plays Travis Stolly

Travis is a jittery, well-meaning rookie guard who wants to prove he’s capable of following in his family’s footsteps as a police officer. Unfortunately, his eagerness often turns into panic, especially when danger strikes. His situation is made more complex by a secret romantic past with Zoe, who unexpectedly re-enters his life as one of the assailants.
Davidson plays Travis as a blend of comic relief and underdog, reflecting the same offbeat energy he brought to The King of Staten Island and Saturday Night Live.
Keke Palmer as Zoe

Zoe starts off as a flirty bystander but is soon revealed to be the mastermind behind the unfolding heist. Her character is central to the plot, driving much of the film’s tension and conflict. Motivated by a personal vendetta, Zoe orchestrates the robbery as an act of revenge for her father’s death.
Her plan is calculated and forceful, but as the mission spirals out of control, more vulnerable and conflicted aspects of her personality come to light. Palmer brings a commanding mix of strength and emotional nuance, building on her acclaimed performances in Nope, Big Mouth, and Hustlers.
Eva Longoria as Natalie Pierce

Natalie is Russell’s wife, who begins the story preparing for their anniversary celebration. When Russell’s behavior on the phone becomes increasingly strange, her concern leads her to follow him. Her suspicions prove justified when she unexpectedly walks into the chaos of the ongoing heist.
In a surprising turn of events, Natalie ends up saving Russell, Travis, and even Zoe during an attack led by Banner. Far from a background character, Natalie becomes a driving force in the film’s climax. Longoria is known for her standout roles in Desperate Housewives, Only Murders in the Building, and The Sentinel.
Andrew Dice Clay as Clark

Clark is the abrasive and bad-tempered manager who assigns Russell and Travis their fateful route. He appears early on as a comedic, overbearing boss, but his role becomes much more intriguing during the film’s mid-credits scene. There, a surprising revelation hints at Clark having had deeper involvement in orchestrating the events surrounding the heist.
Clay brings layered energy to the character, building on his performances in Blue Jasmine and A Star Is Born.
Jack Kesy as Banner

Banner is one of the masked assailants working alongside Zoe, but his unstable temperament quickly sets him apart. A key misunderstanding during the heist causes Banner to believe that the trio has betrayed the crew, leading him to break away from the plan and act violently on his own. This makes him one of the most dangerous threats in the film.
His erratic behavior culminates in a high-stakes attack that nearly derails everything, until Natalie intervenes. Kesy is known for his roles in Deadpool 2, Baywatch, and Death Wish.
Additional cast and guest stars in The Pickup

Some of the additional cast members in The Pickup are:
- Ismael Cruz Cordova as Miguel
- Marshawn Lynch as Chop Shop
- Jef Holbrook as Mikey
- Lara Grice as Waitress
- Nelson Bonilla as Casino Guard
- Joe Anoa’i as MMA Fighter (credited as Joe “Roman Reigns” Anoa’i)
- Ray Murphy Jr. as MMA Manager (credited as Raymond L. Murphy Jr.)
- Enoch King as Service Entrance Guard
- Keith Adams as Armored Truck Driver
- Charles Green as Older Guard
- Regina Ting Chen as Police Officer
- Bethany Rachel Tull as BNB Staff
- Christopher Davis as Drill Sergeant at Police Academy
- Laurence Chavez as Mr. Coriano
- Leydi Morales as Mrs. Coriano
- Quantrell D. Colbert as Photographer (credited as Quantrell Colbert)
- Hector Padilla as Operations Security
What is The Pickup all about?

The Pickup is a heist action comedy that begins with armored truck guards Russell and Travis being assigned a difficult route by their short-tempered manager. Russell, a veteran trying to get home in time for his anniversary, is paired with the nervous and inexperienced Travis. What starts as a routine day quickly escalates when they’re confronted by armed robbers demanding they give up the truck’s contents.
The situation spirals further after Travis, desperate to prove himself, and Russell, reluctant to give in, attempt to fight back. They manage to escape temporarily, but soon realize that one of the assailants is Zoe, someone Travis has a personal connection with. Her betrayal shifts the tone, as she takes both men hostage and forces them to participate in a planned casino robbery.
The Pickup is written by Matt Mider and Kevin Burrows and directed by Tim Story, the latter known for his work on The Blackening and Barbershop. The film combines comedic setups with action-driven sequences, including high-speed chases, physical combat, and explosive set pieces.
Produced by Amazon MGM Studios, The Pickup explores themes of loyalty, desperation, and class-driven motivations through a chaotic but character-driven storyline.
Where is The Pickup streaming online?
The Pickup premiered on Amazon Prime Video on August 6, 2025. It is available to stream exclusively on the platform and was not released theatrically. The film runs for 94 minutes. The Pickup has received mixed reviews from critics following its release.
At the time of the article’s publication, 32% of the 28 critics’ reviews are positive on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. On Metacritic, the film has a score of 39 out of 100 based on 10 critic reviews, indicating “generally unfavorable” feedback so far.
The reception of The Pickup has been varied, with some viewers praising the performances while others critiqued the film’s predictability. As the film continues to be streamed, these numbers are expected to change as more critics and audiences share their reviews.
The Pickup is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.