Noah Segan's 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York' Pays Homage to the City's Past

The filmmaker discusses his love for New York, working with John Turturro, and capturing the city's disappearing culture.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Noah Segan's film The Only Living Pickpocket in New York is an ode to the city's past, with John Turturro playing an aging pickpocket struggling to adapt to the modern world. Segan, a fourth-generation New Yorker, drew inspiration from his own roots in the city as well as classic New York films to craft a story that celebrates the colorful characters and disappearing culture of the metropolis.

Why it matters

As New York continues to evolve, Segan's film serves as a reminder of the city's rich history and the importance of preserving its unique identity. The story explores themes of nostalgia, change, and the struggle to hold onto the essence of a place that has undergone significant transformation.

The details

The Only Living Pickpocket in New York follows Harry, an old-school pickpocket played by John Turturro, who finds himself out of step with the modern world around him. Segan, who wrote and directed the film, was drawn to the idea of exploring the tactile skills of pickpocketing and how they function in the real world. The filmmaker's deep roots in New York City, dating back to his childhood, informed the story's setting and the characters that populate it.

  • Segan began writing the script about eight years ago while staying home with his infant daughter.
  • The film premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.

The players

Noah Segan

The writer and director of The Only Living Pickpocket in New York, Segan is a fourth-generation New Yorker with a deep love for the city and its history.

John Turturro

The acclaimed actor plays the lead role of Harry, an aging pickpocket struggling to adapt to the changing city around him.

Ricky Jay

The late magician and actor was an early inspiration for Segan's vision of the film's protagonist, as Segan was drawn to Jay's expertise in the art of pickpocketing and his connection to the city.

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What they’re saying

“I have always been drawn to things that are tactile. I'm a collector. I'm a lover of analog things. I love magic. I love the idea of skills. That all guided me.”

— Noah Segan, Writer and Director (thefilmstage.com)

“For those of us from New York, whether it was me or John [Turturro] or much of our crew, it felt like an adventure. It felt like, 'Well, of course, we're going to do this, because that's what people in New York do. They do crazy shit and they kind of get away with it. By the skin of your teeth, we make it happen.'”

— Noah Segan, Writer and Director (thefilmstage.com)

What’s next

The Only Living Pickpocket in New York is expected to have a limited theatrical release in New York City and other select markets later this year, allowing audiences to experience Segan's love letter to the city on the big screen.

The takeaway

Segan's film serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving the unique character and culture of New York City, even as it continues to evolve. The story's exploration of nostalgia, change, and the struggle to hold onto the essence of a place resonates with anyone who has a deep connection to the city.