Pete Davidson Pitches Eddie Murphy for The King of Comedy Remake
Pete Davidson, the SNL star turned boundary-pushing comedian, has unveiled an unexpected passion project: a modern remake of Martin Scorsese’s 1982 cult classic The King of Comedy—with Eddie Murphy in the lead role.
During an appearance on The Tonight Show, Davidson called the original film “insanely relevant” in today’s social media-driven fame culture. His vision? Reimagining Robert De Niro’s delusional protagonist Rupert Pupkin as a TikTok-era influencer, with Murphy bringing his comedic brilliance and dramatic depth to the role.
Why The King of Comedy Deserves a Modern Update
Scorsese’s original film, starring De Niro as an obsessive aspiring comic, bombed at the box office but later gained acclaim for its sharp satire of celebrity obsession. Davidson argues the premise is even timelier now:
- Social media parallels: Pupkin’s desperation mirrors today’s influencer culture.
- Eddie Murphy’s range: From Dolemite Is My Name to Mr. Church, Murphy has proven his dramatic chops.
- Dark comedy revival: Films like Joker (inspired by the same source) show appetite for twisted fame narratives.
Davidson teased, “Imagine Eddie playing a guy who’s hilarious but also terrifying. That’s the magic.”
Will Eddie Murphy Sign On?
While Murphy hasn’t responded publicly, insiders say Davidson has pitched the idea to his team. Murphy’s recent career resurgence—including his Oscar-nominated work in Dolemite—makes him a compelling fit for a role blending humor and menace.
Fan Reactions: From Skepticism to Excitement
Social media reactions split sharply:
- Critics: “Why remake a perfect film?”
- Supporters: “Murphy in a Scorsese-style thriller? Genius.”
Davidson remains undeterred: “People hate remakes until they’re done right.”
Could This Be the Next Joker?
With Hollywood hungry for IP-driven projects, Davidson’s fresh take—rooted in today’s viral fame economy—could stand out. The project is in early stages, but the combo of Murphy’s star power and the original’s legacy has industry watchers intrigued.
What’s Next for the Project?
No studio or director is attached yet, but Davidson’s persistence suggests momentum. If greenlit, this could become one of the most anticipated dark comedies of the decade.
Would you watch this remake? Share your thoughts below!
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