James Gandolfini's son cast as Tony Soprano in 'The Sopranos' prequel
'The Sopranos' keeping it in the family
'The Sopranos' keeping it in the family
'The Sopranos' keeping it in the family
How do you cast someone to follow one of the greatest modern American actors in one of the most cherished roles in TV history? You could get an up-and-coming young actor who'd probably do a good job, like Timothee Chalamet. He'd be fine. Or you could leave it to science, and cast the person with the closest DNA match to your original star.
That's what the team on David Chase's "The Sopranos" prequel film, "The Many Saints of Newark," has done: They cast James Gandolfini's son, Michael, as the young Tony Soprano.
Michael Gandolfini is relatively fresh to the screen, having played a bus boy in "Ocean's 8" and made his first big impression in "The Deuce" as Joey Dwyer. He's understandably eager to follow inn his dad's very threatening footsteps.
"," Gandolfini told 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.'"
Insiders also suggested to Deadline that despite an extensive casting process, Michael Gandolfini got the part because he'd nailed Tony's mannerisms and vocal tics, and had a closer grasp on what made Tony tick. Also, he really, really, really, really looks like his dad.