Gaten Matarazzo Leads the Chaos in Hulu’s New Stoner Comedy ‘Pizza Movie’
Gaten Matarazzo has officially traded the supernatural terrors of Hawkins, Indiana, for a different kind of madness. Premiering on Hulu on April 3, 2026, Pizza Movie marks the Stranger Things star’s first leading role since the hit Netflix series concluded on January 1. This R-rated college comedy shifts Matarazzo from a supporting comedic role in a drama to the center of a high-energy, absurdist experience.
A Trip Into the Absurd: The Plot of ‘Pizza Movie’
The film follows Jack (Matarazzo), a shy college freshman, and his reckless roommate Montgomery (Sean Giambrone). Described as the most hated students at their university, the pair are simply looking for an escape. Their night takes a sharp turn when they ingest a mind-bending experimental drug while on a mission to grab pizza.
The result is a chaotic descent into a world of wild hallucinations, featuring exploding heads and death traps. To return to reality, Jack and Montgomery—alongside a character named Lizzy (Lulu Wilson)—must navigate a surreal landscape while dodging sadistic resident advisors. Adding to the eccentricity, the film features a talking butterfly voiced by Daniel Radcliffe.
Creative Vision and Cast
Pizza Movie is written and directed by Brian McElhaney and Nick Kocher, former Saturday Night Live writers known as the sketch comedy duo BriTANicK. This is the first feature film for the directing pair, who encouraged the cast to capture fearless comedic risks to achieve the film’s signature chaos.
Beyond the lead trio, the ensemble cast includes:
- Jack Martin as Blake
- Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Ashley
- Marcus Scribner as Logan
- Caleb Hearon as Sidney
- Sarah Sherman as Frankie
- Justin Cooley as Byron
The production, handled by American High, was produced by a team including Jeremy Garelick and Will Phelps. The technical creative team featured cinematographer Bella Gonzales, editor Matt McBrayer, and composers Leo Birenberg and Zach Robinson.
Critical Reception and Industry Impact
Early critical response to the film has been positive. According to reports, Pizza Movie currently holds an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 15 reviews.
For Matarazzo, the project represents a pivotal career transition. While his role as Dustin Henderson provided comedic relief, he noted that leading a full-scale comedy brings a “prove-it” mentality, as the primary goal of the genre is to make the audience laugh.
Key Takeaways: ‘Pizza Movie’ at a Glance
- Streaming Platform: Hulu
- Release Date: April 3, 2026
- Genre: R-rated Stoner/College Comedy
- Lead Star: Gaten Matarazzo
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80%
- Notable Cameo: Daniel Radcliffe (Voice of the Butterfly)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch ‘Pizza Movie’?
The film is available to stream exclusively on Hulu.
Who directed ‘Pizza Movie’?
The movie was written and directed by former SNL writers Brian McElhaney and Nick Kocher.
Is ‘Pizza Movie’ related to ‘Stranger Things’?
No, it is an original Hulu comedy. However, it stars Gaten Matarazzo in his first leading role following the conclusion of the Stranger Things series.
As streaming services continue to compete for original, high-concept content, Pizza Movie stands as a bold experiment in absurdist humor and a significant stepping stone for Gaten Matarazzo’s evolution as a leading man.