Young Tony Soprano Will Be Played By James Gandolfini's Son Michael Gandolfini in THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK
Not long ago we learned that a young version of Tony Soprano would be featured in David Chase’s Sopranos prequel film, The Many Saints of Newark.
Today we’ve learned that the young version of Tony has been cast and he will be played by Michael Gandolfini, the son of the late James Gandolfini. I’ve gotta say… that’s pretty awesome! You can definitely see the resemblance.
Michael got his break as an actor in the HBO drama series The Deuce, so he has a little acting experience. According to Deadline, “insiders said that his screen presence, mastery of Tony’s mannerisms, coupled with his resemblance to the elder Gandolfini made him the standout choice for the role because no one there understood the character better, the insiders said.”
Michael had this to say in a statement:
“It’s a profound honor to continue my dad’s legacy while stepping into the shoes of a young Tony Soprano. 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.”
Michael joins the previously cast Alessandro Nivola, Vera Farmiga, Jon Bernthal, Billy Magnussen, and Corey Stoll in the film, which is set during the ’60s Newark riots, when “African Americans and Italians of that city were at each others throats. It was especially lethal among gangsters from each group.”
The story focuses on Dickie Moltisanti (Nivola), “a mentor to young Tony as his own father, Johnny Boy, was grooming his son a pathway to organized crime prominence. There are expected to be call backs and shout outs to numerous other series characters in the film, which is set in the earlier time period.”
Chase co-wrote the script with producer Lawrence Konner and Alan Taylor, who helmed nine episodes of The Sopranos, will direct the film.