Pete Davidson Stars as Real Mob Killer Tommy Pitera in New Film 'Tommy Karate'

Pete Davidson is playing real-life Bonanno crime family hitman Tommy Pitera in a new crime thriller now in production.

Pete Davidson, 32, is set to portray Tommy Pitera — a convicted Bonanno crime family killer known as 'Tommy Karate' — in a new crime-thriller of the same name, with production now officially underway. First-look photos from the set have been released, offering an early glimpse of Davidson in the role. The film is based on Philip Carlo's biography 'The Butcher: Anatomy of a Mafia Psychopath,' which chronicles Pitera's real-life crimes. The project is described as inspired by a true story. Beyond the first-look images, specific production details — such as the director, full cast, studio, or expected release date — were not reported in available sources.

Why it matters

The role represents a significant dramatic departure for Davidson, who is best known for comedy. The film draws on a documented true crime case involving organized crime in New York.

What's next

No release date or additional casting details have been announced publicly yet.

Key facts

• Pete Davidson is 32 years old and playing real-life mobster Tommy Pitera
• Pitera was a member of the Bonanno crime family and known by the nickname 'Tommy Karate'
• The film is titled 'Tommy Karate' and is currently in production
• The screenplay is based on Philip Carlo's biography 'The Butcher: Anatomy of a Mafia Psychopath'
• First-look photos of Davidson in character have been released publicly

Bias & framing notes

Both sources are entertainment outlets reporting the same basic facts — production start and first-look images. Neither provides meaningful production detail beyond the premise, and the actual first-look content is paywalled or truncated in both. No trade publications (Variety, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter) were among the sources, which limits corroboration quality. Reporting is consistent but thin.

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