The Sopranos prequel film โ The Many Saints of Newark โ was originally slated for a September 5th 2020 release. But given the circumstances, Warner Bros. is now eyeing a revised premiere date of March 12th 2021.
The Many Saints of Newark will obviously take place before the hit HBO series, as with the nature of prequels. Exploring the formative years of Tony Soprano himself, it will be set during the 1967 Newark riots. A time fraught with racial tensions dubbed โThe Long Hot Summer of 1967โ, when the African-Americans and Italians of Newark were at each otherโs throats โ and when these aforementioned tensions escalated to deadly heights amongst underworld figures.
A notable detail of this production is the fact that the late James Gandolfiniโs son, Michael Gandolfini, will be assuming the role of young Tony Soprano. A decision comparable to OโShea Jackson Jr. portraying his father, OโShea Jackson โ or as you may know him, Ice Cube โ in Straight Out of Compton.
โItโs a profound honour to continue my dadโs legacy while stepping into the shoes of a young Tony Soprano,โ says young Gandolfini.
โIโm thrilled that I am going to have the opportunity to work with [show creator and film screenwriter] David Chase and the incredible company of talent he has assembled.โ
Joining Gandolfini will be Alessandro Nivola as Dickie Moltisanti, Jon Bernthal as Giovanni โJohnny Boyโ Soprano, Vera Farmiga as Livia Soprano, as well as Billy Magnussen, Ray Liotta, and even โ wait for it โ Joey โCocoโ Diaz. Yes, really.
Once again, the date to mark out in your calendars for The Many Saints of Newark is March 12th of 2021. In the meantime, thereโs plenty of time to relive the entire series. As well as enjoy the โTalking Sopranosโ podcast hosted by Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti) and Steve Schirripia (Bobby Baccalieri) โ which includes episode commentary, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and guest interviews.
You can listen to the first episode below.
