A Radical College Quest: Gaten Matarazzo Reinvents Himself Beyond Stranger Things
After a decade charming viewers as Dustin Henderson in Netflix’s iconic Stranger Things, Gaten Matarazzo is breaking away from Hawkins and stepping into a whole new world — and reality. Hulu’s newest comedy, simply titled Pizza Movie, marks his first project after the sci-fi juggernaut’s controversial finale, and judging by the trailer, it’s set to flip audiences’ expectations upside down.
A Comedy Duo Steps Behind the Camera
The brains behind Pizza Movie are Brian McElhaney and Nick Kocher, collectively known as BriTANicK, celebrated for their surreal sketches and their influence on Saturday Night Live. Making their feature film directorial debut, BriTANicK welcomes audiences to a college odyssey that spirals from a simple pizza run into a full-fledged psychedelic misadventure. Their signature blend of absurdity and wit promises a fresh flavor for contemporary comedy.
The Plot: From Pizza Craving to Psychedelic Chaos
The premise is deceptively simple: a shy college freshman (played by Matarazzo) and his unpredictable roommate (brought to life by Sean Giambrone) embark on an innocent mission to grab pizza. Soon, their plan goes wildly off the rails after an accidental dose of an experimental drug. What follows is a night teeming with bizarre encounters, hallucinations, and life-changing revelations — all told through a technicolor lens that mirrors cult classic stoner comedies of the past, but with a modern, streaming-era twist.
This comedic ride takes cues from cinematic touchstones like Pineapple Express and Superbad, yet injects enough original chaos to feel undeniably new. Each surreal scenario and twisted reality challenges the characters’ perceptions and, inevitably, their futures. Expect wild visual gags, sharp dialogue, and unexpected emotional gut-punches that elevate the film beyond simple dorm-room humor.
An Ensemble Packed With Fresh and Familiar Faces
The cast doesn’t stop at Matarazzo and Giambrone. Lulu Wilson, Jack Martin, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Marcus Scribner, Caleb Hearon, Sarah Sherman, Justin Cooley, Kevin Matthew Reyes, Adam Herschman, and Lucas Zelnick bring a wide range of comedic energy and fresh perspectives. Each actor brings their own flair, echoing the ensemble chemistry that fans of youth-driven comedies have come to love.
Production Insights and Directorial Debut
Behind the scenes, producers like Max A. Butler and Molle DeBartolo support BriTANicK’s vision, while the directing duo themselves have expressed boundless excitement about their first feature. Their stated goal? To deliver an ‘absolutely insane film’ featuring a cast they describe as some of the kindest, most talented people in the industry. This level of creative investment hints at the blend of irreverent, heartfelt, and community-driven energy likely to infuse the final cut.
Where & When to Watch
Pizza Movie made its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival, already gaining buzz for its bonkers trailer and promise of mind-melting comedy. The anticipated official release follows closely after, with streaming available on Hulu and via Hulu on Disney+.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Gaten Matarazzo looking for his next big role, or just someone in search of an off-the-wall comedy that subverts expectations, Pizza Movie will serve a slice of pure cinematic chaos.
