Peyton Elizabeth Lee on Nostalgia, Chaos, and Why Her New Comedy Feels Like This Generation’s Superbad
There’s something about a truly unhinged coming-of-age comedy that just hits—and according to Peyton Elizabeth Lee, that’s exactly the energy her latest film is tapping into.
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During our conversation, I told her what many viewers will likely be thinking: watching the film felt like this generation’s version of Superbad—a chaotic, hilarious, and oddly heartfelt ride that captures the messiness of growing up.
“I was actually just talking about Superbad in my last interview,” Lee shared. “It’s such a fun and accurate comparison. What’s really smart about the writing is that it immediately feels nostalgic—it pulls from those classic coming-of-age, stoner comedy films.”
She also pointed to Scott Pilgrim vs. the World as another tonal reference, highlighting that same quirky, stylized energy that feels both familiar and fresh.
Lee acknowledged that while today’s comedy landscape has evolved, the heart of what makes people laugh hasn’t changed.
“I think the culture of awareness is so important,” she explained. “But it can also make people fearful—of saying the wrong thing or being misunderstood. So it becomes a fine line between being responsible and still pushing boundaries.”
What makes this film stand out, she says, is its intention.
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“When the goal is genuinely to bring joy and laughter, it gives you more room to play. The best comedy is surprising—it’s that moment where you’re like, ‘Did they really just say that?’”
For Lee, stepping into this project also meant stepping outside of her comfort zone.
“For me, it was really about releasing control,” she said. “This was out of my wheelhouse. The story is kind of crazy—you don’t always know if it’s going to work. But that’s part of it.”
Instead, she leaned into trust—both in the creative team and her castmates—fully committing to the chaos that defines the film.
When asked to sum it all up in one sentence, Lee didn’t hold back:
“It’s insane, it largely makes no sense, and it’s about pizza, drugs, friendship, love, college—and that feeling when so much has happened and it’s still early in the night.”
As someone who started in more traditional, family-friendly roles, she also shared advice for others trying to break out of being typecast.
“It sounds cheesy, but truly—follow your heart,” she said. “If you’re doing what fills you up, you won’t regret it.”
And in true chaotic-comedy fashion, the conversation ended on pizza.
Lee keeps it simple—usually cheese—but will occasionally go for a prosciutto, arugula, burrata, and hot honey combo. Her one rule? No olives.
From nostalgic influences to fully committed performances, her latest film embraces everything that makes coming-of-age comedies unforgettable—proving the genre isn’t just back, it’s finding its voice again.
