Caroline Hirsch Hosts Advanced Screening of Eddie Murphy’s “The Pickup” at Southampton Playhouse with Q&A Featuring Producer John Davis

In partnership with Amazon MGM Studios and the Southampton Playhouse, Caroline Hirsch, founder of Carolines and the New York Comedy Festival, will host an advanced screening of the new Amazon MGM comedy “The Pickup” on Thursday, July 24 at 7 p.m.

Following the screening, Hirsch will be joined onstage by acclaimed producer John Davis (“Song Sung Blue”) for a post-film Q&A moderated by Eric Kohn, artistic director of the Playhouse.

“The Pickup” is set to premiere on Prime Video on August 6 and marks Davis’ sixth collaboration with comedy legend Eddie Murphy. Their longstanding creative partnership includes hits such as “Dr. Dolittle,” “Daddy Day Care” and “Dolemite Is My Name.”

Directed by Tim Story and written by Matt Mider and Kevin Burrows, “The Pickup” stars Murphy alongside Pete Davidson, Keke Palmer, Eva Longoria, Jack Kesy, Marshawn Lynch, Roman Reigns, Andrew Dice Clay, and Ismael Cruz Córdova. The film follows two mismatched armored truck drivers — Russell (Murphy) and Travis (Davidson) — as they’re ambushed by a gang led by criminal mastermind Zoe (Palmer). What begins as a routine haul quickly escalates into a high-stakes showdown filled with danger, clashing personalities and darkly comic chaos.

The event comes as the New York Comedy Festival prepares to return for its 21st year, running November 7 to 16. Founded by Hirsch in 2004, the festival showcases bold, diverse voices in comedy while celebrating legendary performers. The creative team behind “The Pickup” reflects that mission through their approach to storytelling and enduring impact on the genre.

The screening will take place at the Southampton Playhouse, 43 Hill Street, Southampton. For more information, visit southamptonplayhouse.org.