Tommy Karate Movie: Pete Davidson to Star in True Crime Mafia Thriller Directed by Justin Chon
Pete Davidson is stepping into one of the biggest dramatic roles of his career with Tommy Karate, an upcoming crime thriller based on the shocking true story of mafia hitman Tommy Pitera. The film pairs Davidson with acclaimed actors Paul Walter Hauser, Camila Mendes, and Simon Rex, while Justin Chon directs the feature.
Inspired by real events, Tommy Karate offers a fresh take on the gangster genre by exploring the relentless pursuit of one of America’s most notorious mob killers and the federal agent determined to bring him to justice. With an award-winning creative team and an all-star cast, the project is already generating buzz ahead of production.
What Is Tommy Karate About?
Based on Philip Carlo’s nonfiction book The Butcher: Anatomy of a Mafia Psychopath, Tommy Karate tells the story of Thomas “Tommy Karate” Pitera, a feared member of New York City’s Bonanno crime family.
The film follows Pitera’s rise through organized crime while focusing on the intense investigation led by legendary DEA Agent Jim Hunt, played by Paul Walter Hauser. Hunt became known for his work dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, and his pursuit of Pitera became one of the defining cases of his career.
Rather than serving as a traditional mob movie, Tommy Karate explores both sides of the story—the criminal empire built by Pitera and the law enforcement efforts that ultimately brought him down.
Pete Davidson Takes on a Career-Defining Role
Pete Davidson stars as Tommy Pitera in what he has described as a dream project. Davidson has spent more than three years developing the film and also co-wrote the screenplay alongside director Justin Chon and Joseph Gay.
In addition to leading the cast, Davidson serves as one of the film’s producers, further highlighting his creative investment in bringing the story to life.
The role marks a major dramatic departure for the actor and comedian, who has steadily expanded his acting career with increasingly diverse performances.
The True Story Behind Tommy Pitera
Thomas Pitera earned the nickname “Tommy Karate“ because of his extensive martial arts training, which reportedly began at a young age. He eventually became a captain within New York’s Bonanno crime family and was suspected by investigators of involvement in as many as 60 murders.
Authorities also connected Pitera to a massive drug trafficking operation before his arrest in 1992. He was ultimately convicted of murder and narcotics-related crimes and is currently serving a life sentence in federal prison.
The film draws heavily from these real-life events while adapting the bestselling true crime book by Philip Carlo.
Cast and Creative Team
The film features an impressive lineup of talent, including:
- Pete Davidson as Tommy Pitera
- Paul Walter Hauser as DEA Agent Jim Hunt
- Camila Mendes
- Simon Rex
Behind the camera, Justin Chon directs the project. Chon is known for acclaimed films such as Blue Bayou and his directing work on Apple’s hit drama Pachinko.
According to Chon, Tommy Karate aims to reinvent the gangster genre through contemporary storytelling, emotionally grounded characters, and realistic consequences rather than relying on familiar mob movie conventions.
The film is produced by North.Five.Six, Two & Two Pictures, and Gramercy Park Media.
Who Are the Casting Directors for Tommy Karate?
Casting for Tommy Karate is being handled by Fieldstein and Paris Casting, one of the entertainment industry’s most respected casting companies for feature films and television.
Led by casting directors Tara Feldstein Bennett and Chase Paris, Fieldstein and Paris Casting is based in the Atlanta and Southeast region and specializes in principal casting for major studio productions and prestige television series.
The company has earned industry recognition for its exceptional casting work on acclaimed projects including Stranger Things and Ozark, both of which are known for their standout ensemble casts. Their experience assembling award-winning talent makes them a strong choice for a character-driven crime thriller like Tommy Karate.
As production continues, actors interested in opportunities related to the film should watch for official casting announcements and verified casting notices from Project Casting.
“Tommy Karate” Starring Pete Davidson Day Player Speaking Role
Black Punk Rockers for Feature Film Day Player Role
Job Description
A feature film starring Pete Davidson is seeking Black punk rockers for a paid day player role in Atlanta. This is an exciting opportunity to appear in a Justin Chon film and showcase your authentic punk style on screen. Individuals with a genuine punk rock aesthetic, musical background, or alternative look are encouraged to apply.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray a Black punk rocker in a featured day player role.
- Follow on-set direction from the production team.
- Participate in filming as scheduled.
- Bring authentic energy and personality to the role.
Requirements
- Black talent with an authentic punk rock look or style.
- Must be available to work in the Atlanta area.
- Submit recent photos, videos, and any relevant media for consideration.
- Comfortable performing in a professional film production environment.
Compensation
- Paid day player role.
- Opportunity to appear in a feature film starring Pete Davidson.
- Gain experience working on a major film production.
Production Details
Production on Tommy Karate is scheduled to take place in the United States.
International sales are being handled by North.Five.Six, while domestic distribution rights are represented by WME Independent and CAA Media Finance.
An official release date has not yet been announced, but with production moving forward, audiences can expect additional casting announcements and production updates in the coming months.
Why Tommy Karate Is One of the Most Anticipated Crime Films
True crime stories continue to resonate with audiences, but Tommy Karate stands out thanks to its combination of authentic source material, an accomplished creative team, and Pete Davidson’s most ambitious acting role to date.
By blending psychological drama with the tension of a real-life manhunt, the film promises a fresh perspective on the gangster genre while exploring the human cost of organized crime from both sides of the law.
For fans of crime dramas, mob movies, and true stories, Tommy Karate is shaping up to be one of the most exciting projects currently in development.
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