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Tim Story knows a thing or two about bringing opposites together. From Ride Along’s odd-couple cop antics to Think Like a Man’s ensemble charm, the filmmaker thrives on pairing distinct personalities and letting sparks fly. With The Pickup , he’s done it again — this time uniting comedy royalty Eddie Murphy with the internet's favourite, Pete Davidson .

The result? A high-octane caper that blends sharp banter and a buddy dynamic that feels fresh yet timeless. As Story tells ETimes, the magic wasn’t just in the script, it was in watching the duo’s natural rapport spill from behind the scenes onto the big screen.

We caught up with the director to talk about the casting gamble that paid off, the secret ingredients of a great buddy film, and why he still believes in the theatrical experience.

Q: You brought together a legend like Eddie Murphy and paired him with Pete Davidson. What made you want to cast this unexpected duo, and how did their chemistry shape the film creatively?
Tim Story: When you start with Eddie Murphy, you’re looking for that perfect combination people will want to watch. Then Pete came up, and having these two SNL alums together just felt like a recipe for an action-comedy — and an amazing ride. They did not disappoint. Even watching them chat between takes was fantastic. They were genuine fans of each other, and that energy translated on screen. I figured it would be successful in terms of what we pulled off, and I’m excited for audiences to see it.

Q: What makes a great buddy duo in today’s cinematic landscape? And how does Eddie and Pete’s dynamic in the film stand out, especially when compared to the recent success of Idris Elba and John Cena in 'Heads of State'?
Tim Story: I think it’ll hold up really well. We have a legend in Eddie, and I always look for the right contrast — characters and actors who can start far apart and then find their way to common ground. That’s where the spark is. We’ve got a mix of talents that are entertaining, a story with some surprises and twists, and when you add someone like Kiki Palmer into the mix, I think we’re in a very strong position.

Q: You’ve worked across such a wide range of genres from 'CSI: Miami' to superhero blockbusters like 'The Fantastic Four'. How did that experience influence your approach to blending action and comedy in 'The Pickup'?
Tim Story: Every time I choose a project, I’m looking for a challenge. At this stage in my career, I enjoy scripts that mix different genres. I grew up watching everything — horror, comedy, action, romance — so a lot of that is in my DNA. Whenever I can bring multiple genres into one project, it pushes me creatively, and I really enjoy that.

Q: As a director, do you prefer theatrical releases or television or streaming releases?
Tim Story: I prefer film — especially in theatres. I make comedies, and nothing beats an audience reacting together. That infectious energy is incredible to watch. I still make movies with the theatrical experience in mind, whether people ultimately see them on the big screen or streaming at home. That’s where my heart is.