Pete Davidson plays his darkest role yet, ditching his signature comedic style to transform into gangster Tommy Pitera in the upcoming film Tommy Karate. The actor’s appearance has been revealed for the first time, and it’s completely different from his performance on “Saturday Night Live.”
Pete Davidson made a major career change when he played convicted gangster Tommy Pitera in “Tommy Karate.” Image source (Instagram)
Davidson looks completely transformed in the black-and-white photo, with his familiar smile turning into a somber expression as he looks sideways from the camera. In the striking photo, he appears to be wearing a wig, with his hair slicked back and a dark suit. The film’s director, Justin Chon, shared the photo on Instagram and teased Davidson’s evolution from comedy. “Patty is all grown up now,” Joan wrote. “Pete Davidson plays gangster Tommy Karate. Although it has been a long journey to get here, everyone is excited to see his talent. “
The Brutal Legacy of Tommy Pitera bonano crime family member
In the film, the King of Staten Island actor will play Pietra, a member of the Bonanno crime family who earned the nickname “Tommy Karate” for his use of martial arts in combat, according to Deadline. New York prosecutors called him a “ruthless killer” and there were reports that he dismembered the body and buried it in Staten Island. Pietra, now 71, denied involvement in the crimes but was eventually found guilty of murdering six people and overseeing a drug operation and was sentenced to life in prison after a 1992 trial.
It took Pete Davidson three years to bring Tommy Karate to the screen
Davidson, who serves as a producer and co-writer on the film, has been working on the role for more than three years. In a statement shared with the outlet in March, he expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “Tommy Karate is the greatest gangster story never told. I’ve been working on it for over three years and I couldn’t be happier that it’s finally getting off the ground.”
Pete Davidson’s transition from stand-up comedy to serious dramatic roles
While Davidson is excited about gangster roles, he has admitted in the past that switching from a comedy background to dramatic acting was difficult. He reflected on the transition in an interview with Entertainment Tonight last July. “It’s so embarrassing to act. Because I’m a stand-up comedian, it’s ridiculous. For me to get there and go, ‘Oh oh!'” I can only do that two or three times before I start laughing. “The casting reveals Davidson’s commitment to expanding his abilities as a performer, demonstrating his willingness to step outside the sketch comedy world that made him famous.
