Don’t ever go against the family – or cast outside of it.
Michael Gandolfini, son of late Sopranos star James Gandolfini, will take over his dad’s role as a young Tony Soprano in a prequel film cowritten by show creator David Chase.
According to insiders, he was the ideal pick because of his screen presence, mastery of Tony’s mannerisms, understanding of the character, and resemblance to his father.
Directed by Alan Taylor, The Many Saints of Newark will take place during the Newark race riots of 1967 which resulted in the deaths of 26 people.
“It’s a profound honor to continue my dad’s legacy while stepping into the shoes of a young Tony Soprano,” Gandolfini said in a statement. “I’m thrilled that I’m going to have the opportunity to work with David Chase and the incredible company of talent he has assembled for The Many Saints of Newark.
The Sopranos, which just celebrated its 20th anniversary and is considered to be a show that changed television, won 21 Primetime Emmy Awards, five Golden Globes and two Peabody Awards.
In his role as the Soprano patriarch, the elder Gandolfini won a Golden Globe and three Emmy awards.
The cast for the new film also includes Corey Stoll, Billy Magnussen, Jon Bernthal, Alessandro Nivola, and Vera Farmiga.
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