Pete Davidson has traded his signature comedy persona for a dark, unrecognizable transformation in the first look at his portrayal of mobster Tommy Pitera in the upcoming film Tommy Karate.
TL;DR
- The first look shows Davidson sporting a full head of hair, a wig, and a dark suit in black and white photography
- The film is based on Philip Carlo's book The Butcher: Anatomy of a Mafia Psychopath
- Production is filming in Atlanta from July 8 through August 13, 2026
- The cast includes Paul Walter Hauser, Camila Mendes, and Simon Rex
The Saturday Night Live alum appeared totally transformed, sporting a wig with hair brushed back and a dark suit in the first image released July 23. Director Justin Chon shared the photograph on Instagram, quipping: "Petey'z all growns up now. Here's Pete Davidson as mobster Tommy Karate. Was a long journey to get here but excited for everyone to see how talented he is."
The film marks Davidson's dramatic pivot from comedy, showing him nearly unrecognizable with full prosthetics designed to portray the convicted Bonanno crime family enforcer. Tommy Pitera, who earned the nickname "Tommy Karate" because of his martial arts training, was suspected of numerous murders before being convicted in 1992.
A Dream Project Three Years in the Making
Davidson has been developing the project for more than three years, calling it his "dream job." In a statement made in March, Davidson said: "Tommy Karate is the greatest mob story never told. I've been working on this for over three years, and I'm beyond thrilled that it's finally in motion."
Beyond acting, Davidson is also producing the project, alongside co-writing the screenplay with director Justin Chon and Joseph Gay. This hands-on involvement underscores his commitment to the material—a marked departure from his comedy roots.
The Supporting Cast and Production Details
Paul Walter Hauser will play DEA Agent Jim Hunt, the investigator who pursued Pitera. The ensemble cast also features Camila Mendes and Simon Rex. Production officially began filming in Atlanta, with the crew working through August 2026.
The screenplay draws from Philip Carlo's non-fiction true crime book The Butcher: Anatomy Of A Mafia Psychopath, chronicling the pursuit and eventual capture of Pitera, described as one of America's most ruthless mobsters and serial killers.
From Comedy to Dramatic Intensity
The film marks another step in Davidson's transition from stand-up comedy to dramatic acting, following projects including The King of Staten Island, Bodies Bodies Bodies, and The Dirt. Davidson's involvement in writing the screenplay suggests there may still be moments of comedy sprinkled into the story, though the physical demands of portraying a martial-arts-trained mob killer hint at a level of intensity unlike anything audiences have seen from him before.
Reported from publicly available interviews and verified press sources. Last reviewed July 24, 2026.
Realted post
- Pete Davidson – SNL alum
- Paul Walter Hauser – Actor
- Justin Chon – Director
Sources
- E! Online - Pete Davidson in Tommy Karate First Look
- Deadline - Pete Davidson Mafia Killer Tommy Karate
- AV Club - Tommy Karate First Look
- The Express Tribune - Pete Davidson Dramatic Transformation
- Yahoo Entertainment - Pete Davidson Unrecognizable
- Atlanta Journal Constitution - Pete Davidson in Atlanta
