The Many Saints of Newark: A Sopranos Story, will tell the story of the young Tony Soprano.
It’s been a long time coming, but the first trailer for the prequel film to the superlative mafia television show The Sopranos has finally dropped. Understandably, it centers on the young Tony Soprano, played by Michael Gandolfini – son of the late, great James Gandolfini who brought the conflicted anti-hero to life so memorably on the small screen.
During its 1999 – 2007 run, The Sopranos became one of the most acclaimed television series of all time, It notched up a whopping 111 Primetime Emmy nominations, winning 21 and twice scooping the prestigious Outstanding Drama Series gong. Some fourteen years after *that finale*, the show endures finding new fans on streaming services.
Welcome to Newark, 1967
Set against the backdrop of the Newark race riots, The Many Saints of Newark will explore the pivotal the relationship between the young Tony and his uncle, Dickie Moltisanti (Alessandro Nivola). Dickie being the father of Christopher Moltisanti, Tony’s protégé in the television show.
The film’s synopsis tells us: “Young Anthony Soprano is growing up in one of the most tumultuous eras in Newark’s history, becoming a man just as rival gangsters begin to rise up and challenge the all-powerful DiMeo crime family’s hold over the increasingly race-torn city. Caught up in the changing times is the uncle he idolizes, Dickie Moltisanti, who struggles to manage both his professional and personal responsibilities—and whose influence over his impressionable nephew will help make the teenager into the all-powerful mob boss we’ll later come to know: Tony Soprano.”
Joining Gandolfini and Nivola in the cast are Vera Farmiga (Bates Motel), Leslie Odom Jr (Hamilton), Jon Bernthal, Corey Stoll, Billy Magnussen, John Magaro, Michela De Rossi and Ray Liotta (Goodfellas). David Chase, creator of “The Sopranos” has scripted the movie and it is directed by Alan Taylor who helmed nine episodes of the television series.
“The Many Saints of Newark” is receiving a US theatrical release October 1st, as well as a streaming release on HBO Max. In the UK, we’ll have to wait until 22nd October to see it on the big screen.