Tommy Karate: The Dark Legacy of a Mafia Killer

Production Details

Title: Tommy Karate

Format: Feature Film

Production Begins: June 22

Filming Dates: June 22 – July 31, 2026

Filming Location: Atlanta

Producer: Lucan Toh, Ford Corbett, Nathan Klingher, Mark Fasano, Joshua Harris, Michael Rothstein, Samuel Hall, Warren

Writer: Pete Davidson, Justin Chon, Joseph Gay

Director: Justin Chon

LP: Cameron Boling

1AD: Laura Klein

Cast: Pete Davidson, Paul Walter Hauser, Camila Mendes, Simon Rex

CD: Chase Paris, Tara Feldstein Bennett

Synopsis: A crime-thriller about the notorious mafia killer Tommy Pitera (Davidson), who was known as Tommy Karate. The film will chart the pursuit and capture of one of America’s most ruthless mobsters and serial killers by notorious DEA Agent Jim Hunt (Hauser) (who also helped take down El Chapo). Pitera was an American mobster in the Bonanno crime family of New York City. Initially a ‘soldier’ and then a ‘captain’ of his own crew, Pitera was suspected by law enforcement of as many as 60 murders. He was known for his use of karate and other martial arts when fighting, a skill he learned at a young age and which earned him the nicknames Tommy Karate, and The Karate Guy. He is currently serving a life sentence at USP Big Sandy in Inez, Kentucky, after going down in 1992 for murder and operating a massive drug operation.

Production Companies

Two & Two Pictures

23801 Calabasas Road, Suite 103
Calabasas, CA 91302

info@twoandtwo.com

North.five.six

154 W. 14th St.
New York, NY 10011

samuel.hall@northfivesix.com

Gramercy Park Media

ford@gramercypark.media

Wme Independent

9601 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

310-285-9000 – filmsalesinfo@wmeagency.com

Caa Media Finance

2000 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles, CA 90067

424-288-2000 – filmsales@caa.com

About Tommy Karate

Tommy Karate is a character based on the real-life mobster Tommy Pitera, notorious for his violent nature and martial arts skills. He was a prominent figure in the Bonanno crime family in New York City, where he rose from a soldier to the rank of captain, leading his own crew. His criminal activities allegedly included involvement in numerous murders and a large-scale drug operation. The film follows DEA Agent Jim Hunt’s relentless pursuit of Pitera, shedding light on the complexities of law enforcement in dealing with organized crime. Pitera’s infamous reputation as a skilled fighter added an unusual layer to his criminal profile. Currently serving a life sentence in a federal prison, his story serves as a stark reminder of the brutal realities of mob life.