Pete Davidson has stepped into his darkest role yet, trading his signature comedic stylings for a menacing transformation as mobster Tommy Pitera in the upcoming film ‘Tommy Karate’. A first look at the actor’s portrayal was released, showcasing a dramatic departure from his Saturday Night Live days.
Pete Davidson embraces a major career shift as he steps into the role of convicted mobster Tommy Pitera in ‘Tommy Karate’.Image credit (Instagram)
In the black and white photograph, Davidson appears totally transformed, exchanging his familiar smile for a dark smolder as he looks off camera in profile view. He seemingly wears a wig with hair brushed back and dons a dark suit in the striking image.The film’s director Justin Chon shared the picture on Instagram, quipping about Davidson’s evolution from comedy. “Petey’z all growns up now,” Chon wrote. “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.”
Tommy Pitera’s brutal legacy as Bonnano crime family member
According to Deadline, in the film, the King of Staten Island actor will embody Pitera, a member of the Bonnano crime family who earned the nickname “Tommy Karate” because of his use of martial arts in fighting. New York prosecutors called him a “ruthless killer,” with reports alleging he dismembered bodies and buried them in Staten Island. Pitera, now 71, denied being involved in the crimes but was ultimately convicted of murdering six people and supervising a drug operation, receiving a life sentence following his 1992 trial.
Pete Davidson’s three-year journey bringing ‘Tommy Karate’ to screen
Davidson serves as a producer and co-writer on the film, roles he’s been committed to for more than three years. In a statement shared with the outlet in March, he expressed his passion for the project. “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.”
Director Justin Chon shared the first look at Pete Davidson’s portrayal of Tommy Pitera, calling the actor’s dramatic transformation worth the long journey.Image credit (Instagram)
The 32-year-old added at the time: “Playing a role like this is a dream job. We have a great team behind this one, and I can’t wait for people to see what we’ve come up with.”
Pete Davidson’s transition from stand-up comedy to serious dramatic roles
Davidson, though excited about the mobster role, has in the past admitted the difficulty of shifting from his comedic background to dramatic acting.Speaking to Entertainment Tonight last July, he reflected on the shift. “Acting is just so embarrassing. It’s because I’m a stand-up, so, it’s very ridiculous. In order for me to get there and be like ‘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 he’s willing to step well outside the sketch comedy world that propelled him to fame.