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- What to expect at the West Pico gas giveaway
- Why the stunt aligns with the film’s message
- Critical buzz and festival run that built momentum
- Cast, cameos, and the creative team
- Practical details for attendees and press
- Marketing move that doubles as cultural commentary
- Where to watch and additional materials
Gas costs are squeezing wallets, and Neon’s new anti-capitalist comedy is turning that frustration into a real-world stunt. Stars Keke Palmer and LaKeith Stanfield will be at a West Pico Shell tomorrow morning to pump fuel for the first drivers in line — a publicity move that doubles as a tangible, headline-grabbing gesture.
What to expect at the West Pico gas giveaway
The event starts Tuesday, May 12, at 10 a.m. PT at the Shell station at 8500 West Pico Boulevard. The film’s team will hand fuel to motorists and distribute promotional merch while supplies last.
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- Who: Keke Palmer and LaKeith Stanfield, representing Neon and the film.
- When: May 12, 10 a.m. PT.
- Where: Shell, 8500 West Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles.
- How many: The first 70 cars in line will receive free gas.
- Extras: Branded merchandise will be given out while supplies last.
Why the stunt aligns with the film’s message
Boots Riley’s I Love Boosters channels his outspoken politics into comedy. The movie explores theft, redistribution, and community in a way that blends satire with social critique.
From satire to street-level action
By staging a gas giveaway, the filmmakers map the movie’s themes onto a present-day pain point: rising fuel prices. The publicity move is both promotional and symbolic.
Critical buzz and festival run that built momentum
I Love Boosters premiered at SXSW and has been gathering attention on the festival circuit. It opened the 2026 Seattle International Film Festival last week, keeping the conversation active.
Early reviews emphasize the film’s bold tone and comedic rhythms. IndieWire critic Ryan Lattanzio framed it as a uniquely political stoner comedy and praised the leading performers for syncing tightly with Riley’s absurdist vision.
Cast, cameos, and the creative team
The ensemble bolsters the film’s profile. Alongside Palmer and Stanfield, the cast includes:
- Poppy Liu
- Eiza González
- Will Poulter
- Don Cheadle
- Demi Moore
- Naomi Ackie and Taylour Paige in standout supporting turns
Boots Riley wrote and directed the film. Neon handles U.S. theatrical distribution, with a wide release set for May 22.
Practical details for attendees and press
If you plan to go, arrive early. The giveaway is first-come, first-served. Expect crowds and local traffic near West Pico.
- Plan for limited parking and possible line delays.
- Bring proof of vehicle if requested by organizers.
- Merchandise is limited and will likely run out fast.
Marketing move that doubles as cultural commentary
The stunt underscores how films today can stage live interactions to amplify themes. Paying for gas is a simple, direct act that mirrors the movie’s focus on redistribution and community aid.
Neon positions the event as both a marketing tactic and a nod to the film’s anti-capitalist leanings. For fans, it’s a chance to meet stars in person. For the film, it’s free press that ties neatly to topical concerns.
Where to watch and additional materials
Neon releases I Love Boosters exclusively in theaters on May 22. The trailer and promotional clips are available online from the distributor and across social channels.
- Release date: May 22, theatrical from Neon.
- Trailer: Watch the official trailer on Neon’s platforms and major video sites.
- Coverage: Follow festival reports for more early reactions and interviews.
