Pete Davidson on Living in His Mom’s Basement & The King of Staten Island

TL;DR

Pete Davidson discusses his new movie, family involvement, and charity work.

Transcript

you know my guest tonight from Saturday Night Live his stand-up special on Netflix and now he's a bonafide movie star the king of Staten Island directed by Judd Apatow premieres Friday on VOD from his underground home please say hello to Pete Davidson hey Pete how you doing hey man thanks for having me thanks for being here I congratulations on the... Read More

Key Insights

• 👪 "The King of Staten Island" reflects Pete Davidson's real-life experiences, incorporating family and personal tragedy into a comedic narrative.
• 👪 Davidson's humor and humility shine through in his interactions with family, showcasing a dynamic blend of pride and lightheartedness.
• 👪 The involvement of family members in the film adds a layer of authenticity and warmth, connecting real-life relationships to the storytelling.
• 👪 Davidson's mother’s cameo as an extra highlights the collaborative nature of family in his creative endeavors.
• 🎥 The film's release format through VOD marks a significant shift in how movies are presented during times of global challenges like the pandemic.
• 😑 Davidson addresses the impact of COVID-19 on typical movie releases, expressing disappointment over missing traditional premiere events.
• 🌸 The charity aspect of the conversation demonstrates Davidson's commitment to social causes, linking personal loss to broader community support initiatives.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired Pete Davidson to create "The King of Staten Island"?

The film serves as a semi-autobiographical portrayal of Davidson’s life, drawing from his own experiences growing up in Staten Island. It encapsulates themes of grief, family dynamics, and finding purpose. Through humor and genuine storytelling, Davidson successfully translates his personal story into a relatable narrative that resonates with a broad audience.

Q: How did Davidson feel about his family members participating in the film?

Davidson was excited about his family’s involvement, especially having his real grandfather and mother on set. He believes their presence added authenticity and emotional depth to the film. He also shared a humorous moment regarding his grandfather’s insistence on being compensated for his role, illustrating the supportive and engaging nature of their family dynamics.

Q: How did Davidson's mother respond to seeing the film?

Davidson's mother was emotional after watching the film, indicating that she cried throughout. She expressed pride in Davidson's achievement and was pleased to see his personal story depicted on screen. Her support highlights the strong familial bond and encouragement Davidson receives from his family, making the film a shared experience.

Q: What charity did Davidson choose to support and why?

Davidson chose "Answer the Call," an organization that assists families of firefighters and EMS workers who have died in the line of duty. His choice reflects his personal connection to loss, as it relates to the passing of his own father, and demonstrates his desire to give back and support those who have faced similar challenges.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Pete Davidson's new film, "The King of Staten Island," showcases his personal experiences and was directed by Judd Apatow, highlighting a blend of humor and heartfelt moments.

• Davidson discusses his family’s involvement in the film, including his grandfather’s cameo and his mother playing an extra, emphasizing the supportive dynamics of their relationships.

• In addition to promoting the movie, Davidson mentions his charity choice, "Answer the Call," which supports families of first responders who lost their lives in duty, showing his commitment to helping others.