James Gandolfini’s son to play young Tony Soprano in prequel movie
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Actor and writer Michael Gandolfini attends "Curb Your Enthusiasm" season 9 premiere at SVA Theater on Sept. 27, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/WireImage)
James Gandolfini’s son has been pegged to play Tony Soprano in David Chase’s highly anticipated “Sopranos” prequel, according to a report.
“It’s a profound honor to continue my dad’s legacy while stepping into the shoes of a young Tony Soprano,” said Michael Gandolfini in a statement to Deadline.
“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 young man added.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}'THE SOPRANOS' PREQUEL STAR REVEALS DETAILS ON UPCOMING MOVIE 'THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK'
Michael has gotten to show off his acting chops before — appearing in episodes of “The Deuce” and “Law & Order True Crime.” But this will be the first time he stars in a leading role.
"The Sopranos," which starred the late James Gandolfini, recently marked the 20th anniversary of its premiere. The series ended in 2007 and Gandolfini died in 2013 at age 51. (Associated Press)
According to Deadline, Chase and his team put Michael — Gandolfini’s only son — through “an extensive audition process” before eventually deciding he was their Tony Soprano.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The script for “Many Saints” — which will be a feature film — was penned by Chase and longtime “Sopranos” writer Lawrence Konner, both of whom are producing.
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Alan Taylor, a longtime HBO collaborator who helmed episodes of “Sopranos” and “Game of Thrones,” will be directing.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The movie will also star Alessandro Nivola, Vera Farmiga, Jon Bernthal, Billy Magnussen and Corey Stoll. It will reportedly be set during the era of the 1960s Newark riots.