Pete Davidson Looks Unrecognizable on Set of ‘Tommy Karate’

Pete Davidson has been one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces over the past decade, thanks to his signature buzzed haircut and laid-back comedic style from his time on ‘Saturday Night Live.’ However, that familiar image is undergoing a dramatic transformation for what could be the most challenging role of his career.

The actor has been working on this passion project for over three years, and it finally entered production this summer after Davidson’s persistent efforts to bring it to life. This dedication has resulted in a striking physical transformation that is turning heads beyond the film’s marketing.

Davidson was spotted filming ‘Tommy Karate‘ in Brooklyn’s Bay Ridge neighborhood on August 25, and he looked almost unrecognizable. His trademark close-cropped haircut has been replaced with a longer, dark-haired wig styled with a middle part and loose curtain bangs, complemented by striking light blue contacts that further alter his appearance.

This transformation is part of Davidson’s effort to portray real-life mobster Tommy Pitera, an enforcer for the Bonanno crime family known for his martial arts skills, which inspired the film’s title. Pitera was linked to as many as 60 murders before his arrest in 1992, ultimately being convicted of six killings and drug trafficking, leading to a life sentence.

Davidson’s wardrobe on set further reflects his character’s identity. He donned a black quilted bomber jacket featuring a red Japanese oni mask design over a black button-down shirt with a bird print, completing the look with black trousers and bright red sneakers that added a streetwear flair to the otherwise dark ensemble.

The film is adapted from Philip Carlo’s true crime book ‘The Butcher: Anatomy of a Mafia Psychopath,’ and it chronicles Pitera’s violent reign and the extensive investigation that led to his capture. Paul Walter Hauser plays DEA Agent Jim Hunt, the investigator who pursued Pitera for years, with Camila Mendes and Simon Rex also starring.

Justin Chon directs the film, co-writing the script with Davidson and Joseph Gay, marking a significant shift for an actor whose career has been largely defined by comedic roles. Davidson has described this project as deeply personal, having invested years in developing the story before production began.

Chon has positioned the film as a thoughtful reinvention of the mob genre, focusing on character depth and innovative visual choices rather than relying on familiar gangster movie clichés. Given Davidson’s remarkable transformation for the role, it seems that this ambition extends well beyond the screenplay.

With the film set for a 2027 release, fans have ample time to speculate on how far Davidson’s performance will take him beyond his comedic roots. Early set photos suggest this role could be one of the most significant creative risks of his career to date.

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