A highly anticipated new comedy film featuring fan-favorite Stranger Things actor Gaten Matarazzo is gearing up for its world premiere this spring, putting the historic city of Syracuse in the spotlight as a cinematic backdrop.
Titled Pizza Movie, the feature was shot on location in and around Syracuse last spring, using the university town’s energetic college vibe and scenic spots to bring its comedic story to life.
The film is produced by American High and stars Matarazzo — best known for his role as Dustin Henderson in Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things — alongside Sean Giambrone of The Goldbergs.
A Comedic Campus Adventure
Pizza Movie follows a group of college friends whose simple mission — to retrieve a long-awaited pizza delivery — unexpectedly spirals into a chaotic odyssey when a homemade drug adds surreal twists to their night.
The narrative turns familiar campus mischief into a fresh take on youthful absurdity.
The project was co-written and co-directed by comedy duo Brian McElhaney and Nick Kocher, known for their work writing for Saturday Night Live.
The ensemble cast also includes Lulu Wilson, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Sarah Sherman, Caleb Hearon, Marcus Scribner, Miguel-Andres Garcia, and Justin Cooley, among others.
Premiere at SXSW
The film is set to premiere at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film & TV Festival in Austin, Texas, which runs from March 12–18, 2026.
It will be featured in the festival’s prestigious “Narrative Spotlight” section, where industry attendees and cinema lovers alike will get one of the first looks at the quirky comedy.
Following its festival debut, Pizza Movie is expected to be distributed on Hulu, tapping into the streaming platform’s broad reach to connect with audiences long after its inaugural screening.
Local Filming and Syracuse’s Rising Profile
Syracuse has increasingly become a desirable filmmaking location due to its diverse settings — from urban college campuses to historic neighborhoods — and this latest production may help further elevate the city’s profile in the indie film scene.
Filming wrapped smoothly last year, and local fans have eagerly anticipated news of the title, cast, and release plans since production wrapped.
For Matarazzo, the role represents another successful transition from television to feature films, following his earlier work in projects like Honor Society (2022), further showcasing his range beyond his iconic Stranger Things persona.
What to watch next:
The SXSW screening schedule and official world premiere details;
Release timing on Hulu following the festival run;
Behind-the-scenes interviews with the cast and creative team.
