Pete Davidson makes shocking career switch with dark new mafia role

Pete Davidson is swapping comedy for crime as he takes on one of his darkest roles yet, playing notorious mafia hitman Tommy Pitera in the upcoming film Tommy Karate.

The 32-year-old actor is stepping into the shoes of the real-life Bonanno crime family killer as the production is now underway in Atlanta.

A first-look black-and-white image shows the Saturday Night Live star looking almost unrecognisable in character, sporting longer hair and coloured contacts as he portrays the feared mob figure.

The film is based on Philip Carlo’s 2009 book The Butcher: Anatomy of a Mafia Psychopath, which explores Pitera’s rise from Brooklyn beginnings to becoming one of the most infamous names in organised crime.

Pitera, who earned the nickname “Tommy Karate” due to his martial arts skills, was suspected of involvement in dozens of murders across Brooklyn during the 1970s and was eventually arrested in the early 1990s. 

The movie will follow the dramatic investigation led by DEA Agent Jim Hunt, who pursued Pitera before his capture and conviction.

Davidson is not only starring in the project but is also taking on producer duties, while co-writing the screenplay alongside director Justin Chon and Joseph Gay.

A source close to the actor revealed he has spent years developing the film and is excited to finally bring the story to life.

Speaking previously about the project, he described Tommy Karate as “the greatest mob story never told” and said playing such a complex character was a dream opportunity.

The film marks a major shift for him, who is best known for comedy roles in projects including The King of Staten Island and Bodies Bodies Bodies. 

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