Gaten Matarazzo’s Post-Hawkins Adventures: From “Grrr” to Giggles and Galactic Greasy Pies
Fans of Stranger Things know and love Gaten Matarazzo for his role as the lovable, often awkward, but undeniably brave Dustin Henderson. His signature “grrr” moments perfectly encapsulated his unique brand of courage, making him a standout in the beloved Netflix series. This infectious energy and undeniable charm have propelled Matarazzo into a new phase of his career, and he’s now bringing that same chaotic, yet endearing, spirit to his first major post-Hawkins endeavour: a pizza-themed comedy flick.
Matarazzo is trading the dimly lit, Upside Down-infested streets of Hawkins for the delightfully disorienting world of college dorms in * = (Pizza Movie) . This marks his significant foray into a leading role outside the Stranger Things* universe. The trailer for this wild ride has just dropped, teasing a premiere at SXSW on March 13, 2026, with a wider streaming release on Hulu scheduled for April 3.
In * = (Pizza Movie) *, Matarazzo plays Jack, a shy college freshman. His quiet Friday night plans take a sharp, unexpected turn when his utterly reckless roommate, Montgomery (portrayed by Sean Giambrone), throws a spanner in the works. What begins as a simple plan involving takeout and a homemade pizza quickly escalates into something far more unpredictable and, frankly, bizarre.
The night truly goes off the rails when their experimental homemade pizza, intended to be a chill snack, packs a far more potent punch than anticipated. This initial mishap triggers a cascade of escalating chaos. The duo finds themselves trapped in a malfunctioning elevator, grappling with Montgomery’s escalating social anxieties, and facing the general campus disdain directed at Jack. To top it all off, they encounter a series of increasingly unhinged obstacles. These include a psycho Resident Advisor, a seemingly vengeful butterfly, and even a dreaming robot. What was meant to be a quick trip to the pizza place downstairs transforms into a hallucinatory odyssey, filled with absurd revelations and a journey of self-discovery that no one saw coming.
A Stoner Comedy Packed with Star Power
The film is penned and directed by the dynamic duo of Brian McElhaney and Nick Kocher, known for their work with SNL and their comedy group BriTANicK. * = (Pizza Movie) * is billed as a classic stoner comedy, promising a healthy dose of laughs and mind-bending scenarios. The ensemble cast is equally impressive, featuring Lulu Wilson, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Marcus Scribner, and Sarah Sherman, among others. Produced by American High and All Things Comedy, this project is far from a mere filler episode for Matarazzo’s career. His leading turn is already generating buzz, with expectations high for chaotic laughs and potentially life-altering comedic journeys that could cement his status as a breakout comedy star.
Dustin’s Animated Return: A Different Kind of Hawkins Chaos
While Matarazzo’s college escapades in * = (Pizza Movie) * look hilariously out of this world, his beloved character, Dustin, is also getting a fresh spin in an animated format. Stranger Things: Tales from ’84 is an animated miniseries designed to bridge the gap between Seasons 2 and 3 of the live-action show, bringing back that familiar Stranger Things momentum with a new dose of Hawkins mayhem.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1984, this series sees Dustin leading a crew of pint-sized adventurers, including Lucas, Max, and the younger cohort. They’ll be facing off against glitches from the Upside Down, rogue Demogorgon offshoots, and delving into the origins of the Hellfire Club. These escapades are distinct from the main timeline adventures of the older teenagers.
Gaten Matarazzo’s signature nerdy charm shines through in these cel-shaded shorts. The series expertly blends Dustin’s knack for gadgets and his quick wit with the synthwave-infused horror aesthetic that has become synonymous with Stranger Things. With a release date set for April 23, 2026, this animated adventure will feature Dustin’s radio experiments and riddles involving butterfly curses, echoing the hallucinatory and mysterious trips seen in * = (Pizza Movie) *.
A Versatile Young Star
At just 23 years old, Matarazzo is demonstrating remarkable versatility, balancing his leading role in the Hulu comedy with his continued involvement in the Stranger Things universe. His animated escapades in Stranger Things: Tales from ’84 tie directly into his breakout performance in * = (Pizza Movie) *. This dual presence underscores how his signature goofy charm continues to evolve and transcend the confines of the original series, while remaining firmly rooted in the Hawkins spirit that first captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
