The upcoming comedy “Pizza Movie,” written and directed by Nick Kocher and Brian McElhaney, received crucial support from actress Karen Gillan, who also happens to be married to Kocher. The film stars Gaten Matarazzo (“Stranger Things”) and Sean Giambrone (“The Goldbergs”).

A Comedy Fueled by Pizza and Inspiration

“Pizza Movie” centers around two college students’ adventures after consuming an experimental drug, all while on a quest for pizza. Gillan was involved early in the process, attending the initial table read and offering valuable feedback. Kocher stated that she was enthusiastic about the project from the beginning and encouraged them to move forward.

From Nebula to the Pizza Quest

McElhaney jokingly shared that Gillan even suggested incorporating her Guardians of the Galaxy character, Nebula, into the film. This highlights the collaborative and supportive environment surrounding the film’s development. The filmmakers aimed to blend classic college comedy tropes with a modern, dynamic style.

Drawing Inspiration from Comedy Classics

Kocher and McElhaney drew inspiration from comedies like “21 Jump Street” and “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle.” The core idea for the film stemmed from the difficulties of accomplishing even simple tasks, like ordering food, while under the influence.

Capturing the Epic Night

McElhaney explained that the film aims to capture the feeling of a single, epic night in college – the sense of adventure and the way experiences can feel larger than life. They wanted to recreate the feeling of hanging out with friends, a little tipsy and hungry, and how a night can feel incredibly expansive.

Kocher also found inspiration in his own life, specifically the experience of becoming a parent. He noted the shared late nights between college life and parenthood, though the stress levels differ. In fact, his baby even makes an appearance in the film.

A Relatable and Absurdist Comedy

“Pizza Movie” follows a simple quest for pizza that quickly spirals into a night of absurd encounters, hallucinations, and unexpected revelations. The filmmakers hope to remind audiences of the fun and memorable moments of college life and the challenges of everyday life, particularly when influenced by substances.