Eddie Murphy reflects on old age and working with Pete Davidson

Eddie Murphy is embracing the action-packed phase of his career, but even he’s having moments of surprise while filming. 

At the premiere of his new film The Pickup in Los Angeles, the 64-year-old actor admitted he was caught off guard on set when younger co-stars referred to him as the “old man” during fight scenes.

“When I had fight scenes, during the fight scene, the actors, they were improvising and they were two young guys and both of them said, ‘Come on, old man!’ I almost said cut. I was like, ‘Who are they talking to?’” Murphy said with a laugh. 

“It’s like I’m the old guy in the fight scene.” Another moment that surprised him came when one actor shouted, “You a crazy old man!” His reaction? “I was like, ‘Hey!’”

While he may be amused by the shift in how others perceive his age, Murphy isn’t necessarily feeling it. 

“I feel like me still — just a little stiffer,” he joked, acknowledging the physical toll of action scenes but making it clear that his spirit hasn’t changed.

In The Pickup, Murphy stars alongside Pete Davidson as an armored car guard who ends up in the middle of a high-stakes casino heist plotted by Keke Palmer’s character. 

The film blends action with comedy, a space Murphy has long dominated, and it gave him the opportunity to connect with Davidson in unexpected ways.

“I like working with Pete Davidson,” Murphy shared. 

“I love his energy. He’s really funny and quick, smart, a good actor. I loved it.” Their bond went beyond just the script. “We have a lot in common,” Murphy added. “Both lost our dads when we were eight, both Saturday Night Live alumni, both stand-up comics.”

For Murphy, the set of The Pickup was more than just another film location, it was a reminder of how far he’s come and how much he still enjoys what he does. 

Whether he’s being called “old man” or taking on risky stunts, he’s not slowing down, just stretching a little more before the next take.

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