It’sPete Davidson’s turn to get theJudd Apatowbump.
Over the past two decades, no one has fostered comedic talent like Apatow.
Now he’s putting the spotlight on Davidson withThe King of Staten Island.
Credit: Mary Cybulski / Universal Pictures
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: What’s the origin story behindThe King of Staten Island?
Why was Pete someone who you wanted to build a film around?
I just think when people are young that they have a lot to say.
Kevin Mazur / Universal Pictures
In addition to directing, you co-wrote the film with Pete and Dave Sirus.
The movie is an imagining of what Pete’s life might have been like if he never found comedy.
Comedy really was his savior, it gave him direction.
He wants to be a tattoo artist but he really hasn’t tried that hard.
I’m terrified when I make my movies that have experiences from my life.
I’m nervous forKumail Nanjianiand Emily Gordon [Apatow produced their filmThe Big Sick].
I’m nervous for Amy Schumer.
But I do think that is the best kind of movie.
So what was it like working with Pete the actor, someone who is still sharpening his craft?
When we started, I didn’t know what the level of his acting would be.
I only found out when we were doing auditions and rehearsing.
I feel like it’s a very comfortable space for him.
He is a very strong actor and is very willing to be vulnerable in the scenes.
He is very subtle, he’s not trying too hard.
There’s a word we use sometimes, which is “sweaty.”
It’s all very authentic.
All your movies have these deep, hilarious supporting casts.
I really enjoy casting.
I attempt to build it around the lead.
Pete was very involved in all of those choices.
Bill Burr was someone who has been a friend and mentor to him for a long time.
They already had a special dynamic we could tap into.
Marisa Tomei did a cameo inTrainwreckand is someone I’ve always wanted to work with.
She really is the heart of the movie.
So there’s all sorts of people who we love in the movie.
I loved Moises Arias sinceHannah Montana.
He used to always make me laugh so hard.
He is so riotously funny!"
It’s always so fun to try and surround yourself with the best possible people.
Theres so much uncertainty right now around literally everything, including movie theaters and the film industry.
The majority of summer movies have essentially been pushed indefinitely or to dates that could just be wishful thinking.
And this movie is partially about these people who we all look up to.
