Pete Davidson has stepped into his darkest role yet, swapping his signature comedic stylings for a terrifying transformation as mobster Tommy Pitera in the upcoming film ‘Tommy Karate’. The first look at the actor’s portrayal has been released, showing a dramatic departure from his Saturday Night Live days.
Pete Davidson has embraced a major career shift as he takes on the role of convicted mobster Tommy Pitera in ‘Tommy Karate’. Image credit (Instagram)
In the black and white photo, Davidson appears completely transformed, exchanging his familiar smile for a dark smolder as he looks at the camera in profile view. He appears to be wearing a wig with slicked back hair and wearing a black suit in the unusual picture. The film’s director Justin Chon shared the photo on Instagram, joking about Davidson’s evolution from comedy. “Peteyz is all grown up now,” Chon wrote. “Here’s Pete Davidson as mobster Tommy Karate. It’s been a long journey to get here but excited for everyone to see how talented he is.”
Tommy Pitera’s brutal legacy says: Bonnano crime family member:
According to Deadline, in the film, the King of Staten Island actor will portray Pitera, a member of the Bonnano crime family who earned the nickname “Tommy Karate” due to his use of martial arts in fights. New York prosecutors have called him a “merciless killer,” with reports saying he dismembered bodies and buried them on Staten Island. Pitera, now 71, denied involvement in the crimes but was eventually convicted of killing six people and running a drug operation, receiving a life sentence following his 1992 trial.
Pete Davidson’s three-year journey brought ‘Tommy Karate’ to the screen
Davidson served as a producer and co-writer on the film, roles he committed to for more than three years. In a statement shared by the outlet in March, he expressed his love for the project. “Tommy Karate is the greatest mobster story that hasn’t been told. I’ve been working on it for over three years, and I’m glad it’s finally working.”
Pete Davidson’s transition from stand-up comedy to serious dramatic roles
Davidson, although excited about the mob role, has previously admitted the difficulty of transitioning from his comedic background to dramatic acting. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight in July, he reflected on the transition. “Acting is very embarrassing. Because I’m a stand-up, so, it’s very funny. So I can reach and say ‘Ohhh!’ I can only do that two or three times before I start laughing.”The casting reveals Davidson’s dedication to stretching his capabilities as a performer, showing that he is ready to step outside well into the sketch comedy world that propelled him to fame.