“The Many Saints of Newark” has cast Tony Soprano and it’s a family affair: Michael Gandolfini, son of the late James Gandolfini, will play the young version of the character his father originated in the upcoming prequel to “The Sopranos,” a person with knowledge of the casting told TheWrap.
Michael Gandolfini’s previous credits include several episodes of HBO’s “The Deuce,” and “Ocean’s 8.” He joins previously announced cast members Corey Stoll, illy Magnussen, Jon Bernthal, Vera Farmiga and Alessandro Nivola, who is playing Dickie Moltisanti in the feature film.
“The Many Saints of Newark” is set in the 1960s during the Newark riots, five days of violence in the New Jersey city sparked by the beating of a black man by white police officers. At the time it was especially lethal among African American and Italian American gangsters involved in the fighting — 26 people died and more than 700 people were injured during the riot.
Deadline first reported the news of the younger Gandolfini’s casting.
Alan Taylor (“Thor: The Dark World”), who helmed 9 episodes of the groundbreaking HBO series, will direct the film co-written by “The Sopranos” series creator David Chase and Lawrence Konner.
Chase and Konner will also produce. Nicole Lambert, on behalf of Chase Films, and Marcus Viscidi are executive producing.