Jon Bernthal and Vera Farmiga are in final negotiations to join the cast of the prequel to “The Sopranos,” with the working title “The Many Saints of Newark,” an individual with knowledge of the project tells TheWrap.
Bernthal and Farmiga join the cast opposite Alessandro Nivola, who is playing Dickie Moltisanti in the feature film. Both Bernthal and Farmiga’s character details are under wraps.
“The Many Saints of Newark” is set in the era of the Newark riots in the 1960s, when the African-Americans and the Italians of Newark were at each other’s throats, and when among the gangsters of each group, it became especially lethal. While other plot details are vague, the film is expected to include appearances from several key characters from “The Sopranos.”
“The Sopranos” series creator David Chase co-wrote the script with Lawrence Konner. Alan Taylor (“Thor: The Dark World,” “Game of Thrones”) is directing the film. Chase and Konner will also produce. Nicole Lambert on behalf of Chase Films and Marcus Viscidi are executive producing.
Farmiga recently wrapped production on Ava DuVernay’s Netflix limited series, “Central Park Five,” and she’ll next be seen in “Godzilla: King of Monsters” and “Captive State.” She’s repped by CAA, Authentic Talent, ID and Peikoff Mahan
Bernthal’s upcoming projects include James Mangold’s untitled Ford vs Ferrari film and he is about to premiere in the second season of “The Punisher.” He is represented by WME, Attorney David Weber and Narrative PR.
Variety was first to report.