Pete Davidson has undergone a striking physical transformation for his latest project, and the first image released from the set leaves little trace of the comedian audiences have come to know. The Tommy Karate film cast Pete Davidson as its lead, placing the former Saturday Night Live performer in the dark, brooding world of organized crime.
According to E! News, a black-and-white first-look photo of Davidson was shared on July 23 by the film's director, Justin Chon. The image shows Davidson in a dark suit with his hair brushed back, staring off camera to display his profile. The styling marks a significant departure from his signature look, trading his familiar smile for a hardened smolder.
Who Is Tommy Pitera?
The character Davidson portrays is based on a real and notorious figure in American organized crime history. Tommy Pitera was a member of the Bonanno crime family, a prominent Mafia syndicate operating in New York. He earned the nickname "Tommy Karate" due to his use of martial arts in violent confrontations.
Pitera's criminal activities eventually led to a high-profile trial in 1992. During the proceedings, New York prosecutors labeled him a "ruthless killer" and alleged that he dismembered bodies before burying them in Staten Island, as reported by The New York Times. Pitera, now 71, denied being involved in the crimes. However, he was ultimately convicted of murdering six people and supervising a drug operation. He received a sentence of life in prison.
Davidson's Deep Involvement in the Project
The 32-year-old actor is not simply starring in the film. Davidson also serves as a producer and co-writer on the project. He has been developing the movie for an extended period, having first shared his enthusiasm with Deadline in March.
"Tommy Karate is the greatest mob story never told," Davidson said in a statement to Deadline. "I've been working on this for over three years, and I'm beyond thrilled that it's finally in motion."
He added that playing a role like this is a "dream job" and expressed confidence in the team assembled for the production. Director Justin Chon echoed that enthusiasm on Instagram, writing that it was a "long journey to get here" and praising Davidson's talent.
A Shift Toward Dramatic Acting
While Davidson is clearly enthusiastic about the role, he has previously acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from stand-up comedy to serious acting. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight in July of last year, he admitted that the acting process can feel awkward for him.
"Acting is just so embarrassing," Davidson told Entertainment Tonight. "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."
Despite his self-described discomfort, Davidson has steadily built a filmography that extends beyond comedy. His previous work includes The King of Staten Island, which blended humor with heavier emotional themes. Tommy Karate, however, represents his most dramatic departure to date.
Why It Matters
The casting of a comedian in a gritty mob drama inevitably draws attention, and the Tommy Karate film cast Pete Davidson decision reflects a broader trend in Hollywood of placing comedic actors in serious, high-stakes roles. The first-look image suggests that the production is leaning fully into the transformation, using wardrobe, makeup, and photography to distance Davidson from his public persona.
For audiences, the film offers an introduction to a chapter of New York's organized crime history that remains relatively unfamiliar in mainstream cinema. The true-crime angle, combined with Davidson's involvement behind the camera, positions Tommy Karate as a project that will be closely watched — both by those familiar with Pitera's story and by those curious about Davidson's evolving career.
