Pizza Movie: Trailer & Details for Gaten Matarazzo’s Post-Stranger Things Comedy

The first look at Gaten Matarazzo’s post-Stranger Things project has arrived, and it’s…a lot. The trailer for Pizza Movie, a comedy directed by Brian McElhaney & Nick Kocher (known collectively as BriTANicK), dropped today, offering a glimpse into a truly chaotic college night. The film, which premiered at SXSW on March 13, 2026, is slated for a Hulu debut on April 3.

From Hawkins to Hallucinations: Matarazzo’s Next Act

For Matarazzo, Pizza Movie marks a significant step as he navigates life after the cultural phenomenon that was Stranger Things. The film sees him starring alongside a robust ensemble cast including Sean Giambrone, Lulu Wilson, Jack Martin, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Marcus Scribner, Caleb Hearon, Sarah Sherman, Justin Cooley, Kevin Matthew Reyes, Adam Herschman, and Lucas Zelnick. The premise is deceptively simple: a shy college student and his more adventurous roommate embark on a quest for pizza, but a dose of an experimental drug sends their evening spiraling into a series of absurd encounters and hallucinatory revelations.

BriTANicK, the duo behind the film, described the project to IGN as “absolutely insane,” and the trailer certainly supports that claim. Their background in internet sketch comedy suggests a willingness to embrace the bizarre, and Pizza Movie appears to lean fully into that sensibility. You can see the trailer here.

Beyond the Buzz: What We Know About the Production

The project boasts a solid production team, with Jeremy Garelick and Will Phelps of American High, and Billy Rosenberg of All Things Comedy, serving as producers. Jason Zaro, Molle DeBartolo and Max Butler also contribute as producers, and Matarazzo himself is an executive producer. This blend of production houses suggests a strategic approach to both creative execution and audience reach.

Interestingly, Pizza Movie won’t be exclusive to Hulu in all territories. According to Deadline, the film will also be available on Disney+, both internationally and for subscribers to Disney’s bundle packages. This dual-platform release strategy is becoming increasingly common as streaming services seek to maximize viewership and subscription value.

BriTANicK’s Rise and the Appeal of Absurdist Comedy

Brian McElhaney and Nick Kocher, the creative force behind BriTANicK, have built a dedicated following through their online sketch comedy. Their work often features surreal humor and unexpected twists, a sensibility that seems perfectly suited to the premise of Pizza Movie. Their transition to feature-length filmmaking with this project represents a significant step in their career, and the involvement of a rising star like Matarazzo undoubtedly amplifies their reach. You can find more about their work on IMDb.

Matarazzo’s Post-Stranger Things Strategy

The timing of Pizza Movie’s release is noteworthy. As Stranger Things concluded, Matarazzo faced the challenge of establishing himself as a leading actor outside of the show’s established universe. Choosing a comedic role like this signals a desire to showcase his versatility and appeal to a broader audience. His recent engagement with gaming, specifically his reaction to the delay of GTA 6 and his affection for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, demonstrates an effort to connect with fans on multiple platforms and maintain a public profile beyond acting.

The SXSW Launch and Streaming Rollout

The premiere at SXSW is a key component of the film’s marketing strategy. The festival provides a platform to generate buzz and attract critical attention before the Hulu release. The simultaneous availability on Disney+ expands the potential audience, particularly in international markets. The April 3rd release date places Pizza Movie in a competitive streaming landscape, but the unique premise and Matarazzo’s star power could help it stand out.

Looking ahead, the success of Pizza Movie could open doors for further collaborations between Matarazzo and BriTANicK, or pave the way for more leading roles for the young actor. The film’s performance on Hulu and Disney+ will be closely watched as a case study in launching post-franchise careers and leveraging the power of streaming platforms.