Gaten Matarazzo Unveils First Look at New SXSW Movie

Actor Gaten Matarazzo has revealed the first glimpse of his upcoming film Pizza Movie, set to premiere at SXSW in March. The project marks his first major release following the end of Stranger Things and signals a bold creative shift.

Austin, United States | January 17, 2026

What Happened

Gaten Matarazzo is moving fast into his post–Stranger Things career. Just weeks after the hit Netflix series officially wrapped production, the actor has unveiled the first look at his upcoming film, Pizza Movie, a surreal comedy scheduled to premiere at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival from March 12 to March 18.

The first-look image released this week shows five characters staring downward with visible confusion, instantly sparking online discussion. Fans quickly noticed something unusual: two versions each of Gaten Matarazzo and actor Sean Giambrone appear in the same frame, hinting at a narrative twist tied to altered reality.

According to the official synopsis, the story follows college students Jack and Montgomery on what begins as a simple Friday night plan—take drugs and order pizza. That plan quickly unravels when a homemade substance sends them into a reality-bending experience, turning a short walk down two flights of stairs into a chaotic and transformative journey.

Gaten Matarazzo and the Film’s Surreal Plot

The synopsis suggests that Pizza Movie leans heavily into absurdist comedy. As the characters attempt to retrieve their food, they encounter obstacles that feel both comedic and existential. These include a broken elevator, intense social anxiety, a hostile dorm environment, a sociopathic resident advisor, a vengeful butterfly, a dream-chasing robot, and a drug that completely ignores the laws of reality.

The visual doubling of Gaten Matarazzo in the first-look image aligns with this premise, suggesting hallucination, split timelines, or fractured identity. While the filmmakers have not confirmed plot specifics, the early imagery strongly signals a film designed to challenge expectations.

Why It Matters

This project represents a pivotal moment for Gaten Matarazzo.

After nearly a decade as Dustin Henderson on Stranger Things, the actor faces the challenge every child star encounters: redefining himself beyond a globally recognised role. Choosing an experimental comedy rather than a safe mainstream project suggests a deliberate effort to reshape his creative identity.

Premiering at SXSW also carries weight. The festival has a strong reputation for launching unconventional films and elevating indie talent. A positive reception could open doors for Matarazzo in both film and television, particularly in genre-bending or auteur-driven projects.

The film’s creative team adds further credibility. Pizza Movie is written and directed by Brian McElhaney and Nick Kocher, best known as the comedy duo BriTANicK and former Saturday Night Live writers. Their background suggests sharp writing, fast pacing, and a willingness to push comedic boundaries.

Industry Context After Stranger Things

The release comes at a time when Stranger Things fans are still processing the show’s conclusion. Recently, co-creator Ross Duffer explained why the series ended with a final Dungeons & Dragons game between Mike and his friends.

According to Duffer, that moment symbolised the characters’ childhoods and brought the story full circle. For Gaten Matarazzo, whose character became one of the show’s emotional anchors, the ending marked both a creative farewell and a professional turning point.

While the Netflix series remains available for streaming worldwide, Pizza Movie stands as Matarazzo’s first clear step forward rather than a nostalgic extension of his past work.

What Happens Next for Gaten Matarazzo

Following its SXSW premiere, Pizza Movie is expected to seek wider distribution. While no streaming or theatrical release date has been announced, films that debut strongly at SXSW often secure deals shortly after their screenings.

Industry observers will watch closely to see how critics and audiences respond. A successful debut could position Gaten Matarazzo as a versatile performer capable of leading unconventional projects, rather than remaining confined to legacy television fame.

Matarazzo has not yet announced his next role beyond Pizza Movie, but the momentum suggests more film-focused work may follow.

Conclusion

With Pizza Movie, Gaten Matarazzo signals a bold and confident transition into the next phase of his career. The film’s surreal tone, festival debut, and unexpected premise reflect a willingness to take creative risks at a crucial moment.

As SXSW approaches, attention will remain firmly on how audiences respond to this transformative quest and whether it marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of television’s most recognisable young stars.

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