Davidson stars in the film as Tommy Pitera, a real-life Brooklyn mobster linked to dozens of murders
Credit: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images (2)
NEED TO KNOW
- Pete Davidson is undergoing a major transformation for his next film, Tommy Karate, by wearing blue contacts, prosthetics and ‘70s-inspired costumes
- Tommy Karate is based on a true-crime book about Tommy Pitera, a Brooklyn mobster linked to dozens of murders
- Davidson, 32, co-wrote and produces the film, calling it a passion project he’s worked on for over three years
Pete Davidson is undergoing a major transformation for his next film role.
Earlier this week, the Saturday Night Live alum, 32, was spotted filming across Brooklyn for Tommy Karate, in which he stars as the real-life Bonanno crime family killer Tommy Pitera
Davidson was seen in costume on Tuesday, Aug. 25, sporting blue contact lenses and some facial prosthetics along with a slicked-back hairstyle and ‘70s-inspired suit as he filmed in Coney Island with co-star Camila Mendes, who wore a pink glittering halter-top dress and heels.
The star sported a much more dramatic look later that evening, as he donned a satin jacket and dress and was covered in fake blood and bruises. He later topped off the look with a yellow Minions hat, presumably one he picked up in Coney Island.
Credit: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
The following day, Davidson was spotted filming another scene in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bay Ridge, still wearing his colored contact lenses and facial prosthetics.
The actor donned a black satin jacket and some red sneakers for the scene — during which he could be seen beating up some rivals and standing over one of their bodies.
Credit: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
Tommy Karate is based on Philip Carlo’s 2009 book The Butcher: Anatomy of a Mafia Psychopath, which chronicles Pitera’s early life and entrance into the Italian Mafia crime family in New York City. Pitera, who hails from Gravesend, Brooklyn, is suspected of as many as 60 murders and earned his nickname for his martial arts skills.
Credit: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
The film will “chart the pursuit and capture of one of America’s most ruthless mobsters and serial killers by notorious DEA Agent Jim Hunt,” according to a press release.
Along with Davidson and Mendes, actors Paul Walter Hauser and Simon Rex are also set to star in the film.
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Davidson, who also serves as a producer on the film, co-wrote the screenplay alongside director Justin Chon and Joseph Gay. A source close to Davidson previously told PEOPLE that the actor had been working on the film with Chon “for years.”
“He’s excited to be bringing it to life,” the source added.
Credit: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
In a statement shared with Deadline in March, Davidson opened up about his passion for the true-crime story behind the film.
“Tommy Karate is the greatest mob story never told,” Davidson said at the time, referring to the real-life Pitera, 71, who is currently serving a life sentence in prison following his 1992 conviction for six murders and his role in a drug-dealing operation in Brooklyn.
“I’ve been working on this for over three years, and I’m beyond thrilled that it’s finally in motion. 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.”
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