Image via Hellmann's
Pete Davidson doesn’t do a lot of interviews. Wisely and enviably, he also largely shies away from the hour-by-hour, second-by-second fuckeries of our collective social media hellscape. So imagine my surprise when I came to the realization earlier this week that I’d not only be speaking with Pete, but I’d have a brand of decidedly online mayonnaise to thank for it.
Indeed, as you’ve no doubt been made aware in the run-up to the 2023 Rihanna Bowl, Pete has again been enlisted by the condimentally gifted folks over at Hellmann’s for another presumably pricey TV spot. This time, he’s joined by Jon Hamm and Brie Larson for what essentially amounts to a short film (as in, super short) about the proven power of punny panini possibilities.
The not-quite-cannibilistic spot arrives at another pivotal moment for Pete, whose 2023 is also slated to boast the debut of a new semi-autobiographical series on Peacock. The series, titled Bupkis, also stars Joe Pesci and Edie Falco as Pete’s grandad and mom, respectively. To say it’s among the year’s most-anticipated debuts is an understatement.
Below, see what came of Pete and I’s conversation, mayonnaise and Pescitinis included.
This isn’t your first collaboration with Hellmann’s. What inspires you most about re-teaming with Hellmann’s for more mayo-minded madness?
I had a lot of fun making the commercial last year with my mom, and I was even more excited to hear that Jon Hamm signed on along with Brie Larson.
In this latest Super Bowl commercial, you essentially enjoy a Don Draper and Captain Marvel panini. What was it like working with Jon Hamm and Brie Larson? Any chances of the three of you working together again?
Of course, their work is so great. I am sure I speak for all of us when I say we would love to make sandwich commercials together every Super Bowl, sign us up!
Given that an improbable sandwich is at the heart of this Super Bowl spot, what would you say is the wildest and most memorable sandwich you’ve ever consumed? Additionally, do you like fries with mayo?
I love Uncle Paulie’s sandwiches. I definitely use Hellman’s mayo with my fries.
As part of your collab with Hellmann’s, you’ll also be going live on Instagram to give fans a shot at securing some leftovers. What’s one standard, aside from Hellmann’s, that you keep in your fridge at all times?
Water. It’s smart to drink a lot of water.
You’ve been in a slew of my favorite movies of the past few years—Bodies Bodies Bodies, Big Time Adolescence, The King of Staten Island. The latter is loosely based on your own life, as is the upcoming Bupkis series for Peacock. As a writer myself, I always find the autobiographical (or semi-autobiographical) approach to be particularly compelling and inspiring. What do you personally find so rewarding about doing work that’s informed by your own life and experiences? Is that an approach you also admire in the work of others?
I find them to be more relatable because they actually happened. And I think that’s why we love true stories.
While a Bupkis release date hasn’t yet been announced, what can you tell us about the project? It’s definitely one of my most anticipated of the year.
I had such a good time creating this show and got to work with such incredible actors.
What’s one thing you’ve learned from your Bupkis co-star, Joe Pesci?
How to make a Joe Pesci martini.
On that note, do you have a favorite Edie Falco performance? What about a favorite Pesci film?
Neither one of them have ever missed.
If someone reading this were on the brink of embarking on making their own semi-autobiographical film—or book, or 10 minutes of stand-up material, or any piece of art—what’s one piece of advice you would give them that you wish someone had given you earlier into your artistic journey?
Honestly, just do you.
You’re known for having strong tastes in the music department. Anyone you’ve been listening to recently that you consider particularly inspiring?
Daughtry. I love Chris Daughtry.
Lastly, there’s been a good bit of talk about a ferry you and Colin Jost bought together. Apparently, it’s formally known as Titanic 2. Are there any plans at all, either genuine or halfhearted, to one day invite James Cameron to tour the ferry?
Yea! We would love for him to become a partner in the project.