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Gaten Matarazzo just took the biggest creative leap of his career. After five seasons as Dustin Henderson on Netflix’s Stranger Things, the actor stars in his first major film role in Pizza Movie, a surreal stoner comedy that premiered at SXSW and drops tomorrow on Hulu. This isn’t your typical post-show pivot. It’s wild, weird, and absolutely hilarious.
🔥 Quick Facts
Release Date: April 3, 2026 on Hulu (tomorrow)
Runtime: 92 minutes of pure absurdity and laughter
Rotten Tomatoes: 85% from critics, gaining early momentum
SXSW Debut: Premiered March 13, 2026 to standing ovation
From Hawkins to Hollywood: Matarazzo’s Bold New Direction
Gaten Matarazzo spent six years fighting creatures in the Upside Down. Now he’s navigating two flights of stairs in this outrageous comedy. Pizza Movie follows college students on an unexpectedly epic quest to retrieve a pizza delivery. The premise sounds simple. The execution is delightfully unhinged.
The actor has earned massive respect for his work on Stranger Things, but executives took notice of something else. Matarazzo proved he could command attention without supernatural monsters. His comedic timing and willingness to embrace absurdity launched this project from concept to Hulu showcase in record time.
A Stoner Comedy for the Modern Age
Directed by Nick Kocher and Brian McElhaney, Pizza Movie channels the energy of cult classics like Superbad and Scott Pilgrim but adds its own surreal twist. The cast includes Sean Giambrone, Lulu Wilson, and Daniel Radcliffe in a star-studded ensemble commit fully to the chaos. Every actor leans into the madness, creating moments that feel both spontaneous and meticulously crafted.
The 92-minute runtime flies by. Reviewers who caught the SXSW premiere praised it as inventive and genuinely funny. This isn’t a movie trying to resurrect the stoner comedy. It’s modernizing the genre for audiences who grew up on TikTok and streaming culture.
What Critics Are Saying About This Game Changer
Detail
Information
Release Platform
Hulu (April 3, 2026)
Critic Score
85% on Rotten Tomatoes
IMDB Rating
7.6 / 10 (Audience Score)
Run Time
92 minutes
“Gaten Matarazzo and Sean Giambrone are trying to survive a bad trip in a manic Hulu movie that plays like Scott Pilgrim meets Superbad.”
— IndieWire, Film Critic Review
Why This Matters for Stranger Things’ Breakout Star
Matarazzo completed Stranger Things in January 2026 after the show’s triumphant final season. Instead of taking months away, he dove headfirst into this comedy. That speed shows ambition and confidence in the material. He didn’t want a traditional blockbuster follow-up. He wanted something that would surprise fans and critics alike.
The strategy is working. Early streaming predictions suggest Pizza Movie could break into top 10 charts within hours of launch. That momentum could position Matarazzo as more than a sci-fi sidekick. He’s becoming a leading man willing to take creative risks and embrace genres that test his range.
Are You Ready for Tomorrow Night on Hulu?
Pizza Movie arrives tomorrow. Have your Hulu account ready at midnight if you want to join the premiere day conversation. The film plays perfectly as both a standalone comedy and a celebration of Gaten Matarazzo’s post-Stranger Things independence. You’ll laugh, you’ll cringe, and you’ll want to immediately discuss it with friends who get the absurdist humor.
Early word from SXSW screened audiences is overwhelmingly positive. Critics are noting the film has cult classic potential. That means it’s the kind of movie that builds momentum through word of mouth and social media. Streaming tomorrow means catching it fresh before everyone else weighs in on your feeds.
Watch the Official Trailer
Sources
USA Today – Gaten Matarazzo’s post-Stranger Things career launch coverage
IndieWire – Pizza Movie official review and critical reception analysis
IGN – Exclusive trailer and poster reveal for the upcoming comedy film
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