Pete Davidson has stepped into his darkest role yet, trading in his comedic style for a dangerous turn as Tommy Pitera in the upcoming ‘Tommy Karate’ film. A first look at the show’s cast has been released, showing a big departure from its Saturday Night Live days.
Pete Davidson is getting a big career change as he stars as criminal Tommy Pitera in ‘Tommy Karate’. Photo credit (Instagram)
In the black-and-white photo, Davidson looks completely transformed, changing her familiar smile into a black smokey grin as she stares at the camera in the scene. He is seen wearing a wig with slicked back hair and wearing a black suit in the striking photo. The film’s director Justin Chon shared the photo on Instagram, teasing about Davidson’s transition from comedy. “Petey’z are all growing up now,” Chon wrote. “Here’s Pete Davidson as gangster Tommy Karate. It’s been a long journey to get here but I’m glad everyone can see how talented he is. “
The brutal legacy of Tommy Pitera as Bonnano crime family member
According to Deadline, in the film, the King of Staten Island actor will play Pitera, a member of the Bonnano crime family who was nicknamed “Tommy Karate” for his use of martial arts in combat. Prosecutors in New York called him a “merciless murderer,” and reports say he dismembered bodies and buried them in Staten Island. Pitera, now 71, denied any involvement in the crimes but was charged with six murders and overseeing a drug operation, and received a life sentence after his 1992 trial.
Pete Davidson’s three-year journey to bring ‘Tommy Karate’ to the screen
Davidson serves as producer and co-writer of the film, roles he has dedicated himself to for more than three years. In a statement he shared in March, he expressed his interest in the project. “Tommy Karate is the biggest story that people have never told. I’ve been working on this project for three years, and I’m very happy that it’s starting to work.”
Pete Davidson’s transition from stand-up comedy to leading roles
Davidson, despite being excited about the gangster role, has previously admitted that it was difficult to transition from his comedies to a powerful drama. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight last July, he reflected on the change. “Acting is just so embarrassing. It’s because I’m a stand-up, so, it’s so ridiculous. To get there and be like ‘Ohhh!’ I can do this two or three times before I start laughing.The call reflects Davidson’s commitment to developing his skills as an actor, showing that he is ready to step outside of the world of comedy that made him famous.