Pete Davidson Explains His Role Casting As A Villain For Upcoming Movie Dog Man

Pete Davidson is sharing insights into his latest role and the opportunity to step into the shoes of a villain in the upcoming film Dog Man.

“It’s a really fun, loud, and layered character,” Davidson, 31, said during an interview on Sunday, January 26, referring to Dog Man’s longtime adversary, Petey the Cat. “I don’t get a lot of opportunities to stretch like that.”

The comedian—who has been keeping a lower profile recently after checking into a wellness center for mental health treatment in June 2024—expressed his gratitude for the chance to play the antagonist in the film adaptation of author and illustrator Dav Pilkey’s widely popular Dog Man book series.

“It’s the best arc I’ve ever been given,” Davidson added. “Usually, I’m in a movie for, like, nine minutes, and then I get shot in the face, so it was nice to have a full [arc].”

Davidson was referencing his brief role in the 2021 film The Suicide Squad, in which his character, Blackguard, is killed off within the first 10 minutes.

The former SNL cast member’s latest role marks a significant departure from his previous performances in films such as Bodies Bodies Bodies and The Dirt.

However, he is not unfamiliar with children’s movies, having previously lent his voice to The Angry Birds Movie 2 in 2019.

“I’m a huge Dav Pilkey fan,” Davidson revealed in the same interview. “I grew up reading all the Captain Underpants books—my mom got them for me. All the younger kids in my family are obsessed with Dog Man; they read it all the time. And just as I was starting to notice that, we got the offer.”

In a separate interview with W Magazine, published in December 2024, Davidson reflected on how he wants to be perceived—particularly after his high-profile relationships with celebrities like Ariana Grande, Kate Beckinsale, and Kim Kardashian.

“I just want to be known for doing good work,” he said. “I want to be out there only when it’s for movies, stand-up, charity, or business ventures. That’s when I want to be seen. I don’t want to be this f—ing loser who just dates people. That’s not who I am.”

Davidson also admitted that he believes he was overexposed in the media.

“In The Sopranos, there’s a line from Tony where he says, ‘You ever feel like you got into something at the end? When the good times were over?’ That’s how I feel about show business and being a celebrity. It’s over.”