‘Masters of the Universe’ Star Camila Mendes and Pete Davidson Filming ‘Tommy Karate’
Pete Davidson has spent years establishing himself in roles that highlight his lanky, quirky charm, transitioning from stoner comedies to semi-autobiographical dramedies. Now, he’s taking a significant leap into a true-crime mob thriller, a genre that seems like an unexpected choice for the former ‘Saturday Night Live’ star, making this project feel like a bold move.
The film, titled ‘Tommy Karate,’ has been in development for over three years and is finally entering production. It focuses on the real-life Bonanno crime family assassin Tommy Pitera, notorious for his connection to as many as 60 murders and his martial arts background, which earned him his nickname.
Recent set photos reveal Davidson’s commitment to the role, showcasing him and co-star Camila Mendes filming in Brooklyn this week. Davidson has undergone a dramatic transformation, complete with blue contact lenses, facial prosthetics, and a slicked-back hairstyle reminiscent of the ’70s.
Images from the shoot in Coney Island and Bay Ridge show Davidson in a period-appropriate suit for earlier scenes, later switching to a more intense look featuring a satin jacket, fake blood, and visible bruising. Mendes was also spotted in a pink glittering halter-top dress and heels, hinting at scenes set against a glamorous nightlife backdrop in the film.
‘Tommy Karate’ is based on Philip Carlo’s true crime book “The Butcher: Anatomy of a Mafia Psychopath,” which details the pursuit and eventual capture of Pitera, who was sentenced to life in prison in 1992 for six murders and a Brooklyn drug operation. He remains incarcerated at United States Penitentiary, Big Sandy.
Justin Chon, known for directing ‘Pachinko,’ is at the helm of this project, co-writing the screenplay with Davidson and Joseph Gay. Paul Walter Hauser joins the cast as DEA Agent Jim Hunt, the investigator credited with helping to apprehend Pitera, while Simon Rex is also part of the ensemble.
In a conversation with Deadline back in March when the project was initially announced, Davidson referred to ‘Tommy Karate’ as the greatest mob story never told, expressing that taking on this role felt like a dream job after years of development. Chon shared similar sentiments, describing the film as a reimagining of the gangster genre through a contemporary lens focused on character, fresh visuals, and real consequences rather than nostalgia.
Mendes, widely recognized for her role in ‘Riverdale,’ is expanding her portfolio with various upcoming projects, including roles in ‘Masters of the Universe’ and ‘Baton,’ as well as Guy Ritchie’s ‘Viva La Madness.’ Her participation in ‘Tommy Karate’ adds another dramatic entry to her evolving career beyond her TV drama origins.
With production visibly underway in New York City, fans are getting their first glimpses of Davidson’s transformation into one of Brooklyn’s most infamous criminals. ‘Tommy Karate’ is anticipated to reach audiences sometime in 2027, providing ample opportunity for more set photos and details to emerge as filming progresses.
This film also marks a significant milestone for Davidson as he steps into the roles of producer and writer, not just a leading man in a challenging dramatic role. His extensive involvement in the project from development to production indicates how personal this story has become for him.
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