Sopranos creator David Chase is moving forward with The Many Saints of Newark, a prequel movie set in the ’60s. Tony Soprano’s father, Johnny Soprano, will have a big role in the film, and so will Tony himself. James Gandolfini made a career defining turn as Tony Soprano, and now his son, Michael Gandolfini, will follow in his footsteps as a younger Tony Soprano.
David Chase and director Alan Taylor had an extensive audition process before settling on Michael Gandolfini. In addition to his strong resemblance to his father, Michael Gandolfini’s “screen presence, mastery of Tony’s mannerisms,” and his insight into the character made him the final choice. Gandolfini has previously appeared in HBO’s The Deuce.
Alessandro Nivola, Vera Farmiga, Jon Bernthal, Billy Magnussen, and Corey Stoll will also star in the film. Nivola will play Dickie Moltisanti, Tony’s mentor, and the father of Christopher Molisanti on the show.