John Turturro Reveals What Drew Him to His ‘Very Human’ Role in “The Only Living Pickpocket in New York” (Exclusive)

John Turturro has expressed his enthusiasm for his latest film, *The Only Living Pickpocket in New York*. The acclaimed actor, known for his diverse range of roles, shared that the upcoming crime thriller resonates with him due to its profound exploration of human experience and emotional depth. During a recent appearance at the BAFTA Tea Party in New York, Turturro conveyed his excitement for the project to PEOPLE, highlighting its engaging narrative and rich character development.

In this film, Turturro takes on the character of Harry, an older pickpocket grappling with the challenges of a changing urban landscape and his own turbulent life circumstances. He remarked, “A lot of people go into that world because they come from broken backgrounds, broken families, orphanages, and they find a family.” He further elaborated on the film’s themes, explaining how Harry’s life encompasses a perplexing moral landscape shaped by his non-violent criminal activities.

The film’s narrative unfolds over a tense 36-hour period, during which Harry faces escalating consequences after he inadvertently steals a valuable USB stick. Turturro posited that the film conveys a universal struggle: “What I really liked about the movie was, it’s about a man who is struggling to survive as the world around him changes. A lot of people are faced with this, even young people. How do you survive in a world that’s completely changing around you?”

The actor praised the emotional resonance of the script, noting the juxtaposition of tension and tenderness within the storyline. He remarked, “It was a very moving script and very human, told within this tense thriller structure. But there’s a lot of tenderness against the tension.” This blend of gripping narrative and heartfelt moments is what he believes lends the film its unique appeal.

*Turturro* also took the opportunity to commend the film’s writer and director, Noah Segan, whom he described as a “very talented young man.” This collaboration marks a significant entry into the crime genre, combining elements of thriller with deep emotional insight. The film additionally features a stellar cast, including notable names such as Giancarlo Esposito, Tatiana Maslany, Steve Buscemi, and Jamie Lee Curtis.

The story unfolds against the backdrop of a drastically transformed New York, where Harry struggles not only with his profession but also with the pressing need to care for his disabled wife, Rosie. “Wallets stuffed with cash have been replaced by easily cancelled credit cards,” the film’s synopsis reveals, highlighting the character’s mounting difficulties in adapting to a new era.

In a separate interview with IndieWire, Turturro elaborated on the emotional weight of his character’s situation. “He’s at the point in his life where he’s at these crossroads… It’s a hard thing to do on film sometimes because people aren’t that interested in it. Out of delicacy, there’s discovery. And you discover things about yourself too,” he shared, reflecting on the complexities of portraying such a nuanced character.

As the release date approaches, Turturro’s enthusiasm for *The Only Living Pickpocket in New York* is palpable. The film is set to premiere in cinemas on 16 October 2026. With its intriguing mix of crime-drama and human emotion, it promises to offer audiences a fresh perspective on the trials of its central character within an ever-evolving society.

As anticipation builds for its launch, Turturro’s dedication to his craft and the heartfelt material he chooses suggests that this film could resonate deeply with viewers, tapping into themes of survival, morality, and the enduring human spirit even in turbulent times. The compelling storyline and robust performances from the ensemble cast will undoubtedly set this film apart in a genre often characterised by its more superficial thrills.