While many films were being delayed during the summer as a result of the pandemic, Pete Davidson and Judd Apatow decided to release โ€œThe King of Staten Islandโ€ on VOD in June.

โ€œThis is kind of about trauma and these types of disasters and first responders so maybe it’s supposed to come out now,โ€ Apatow said. โ€œI know it sounds weird, but I did have a gut feeling like, โ€˜I think this was destined to land at this moment to help people process some of these emotions.โ€™โ€

Director and co-writer Apatow and star and co-writer Davidson joined Variety deputy awards and features editor Jenelle Riley in a conversation about the film at Variety‘s Screening Series presented by the all-new Toyota Mirai. The panelists discussed the genesis of the filmโ€™s creation, dynamic of the cast and crew and the filmโ€™s resonance with audiences.

โ€œThe King of Staten Island,โ€ which is loosely based on Davidsonโ€™s life, came about naturally following the duo’s first collaboration on Amy Schumer-starring โ€œTrainwreck.โ€

โ€œYou get spoiled when you work with Judd because it’s so much fun,โ€ Davidson said. โ€œWhen you go on other sets, you have fun but getting able to just riff and fuck around with other comics and just that type of vibe on set is super fun. And also just alleviates a lot of the pressure too.โ€

Following the partnership, Apatow said he worked with Davidson on assembling the star-studded cast, which includes Marisa Tomei, who plays Davidsonโ€™s mother Margie, Maude Apatow, who portrays his sister Claire, and Bill Burr.

โ€œWe talked about who he did stand-up with, who he had worked with before,โ€ Apatow said. โ€œAnd Bill Burr was someone that he mentioned and really looked up to and thought could play that part. When someone says that I really take it seriously because I know that means there’s a deep, emotional connection that will surface on screen.โ€