Michael Gandolfiniis following in the footsteps of his late fatherJames Gandolfini.
Michael, 19, has been cast as a young Tony Soprano inThe Many Saints of Newark— a prequel to the critically acclaimed television seriesThe Sopranos, Varietyreported.
James played Tony Soprano on the HBO drama, which originally aired in 1999.
The Sopranosfollowed the life of Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mob boss as he dealt with personal and professional issues in his home and business. It ran for six seasons before ending in 2007.
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The role scored James one Golden Globe Award, threeSAG awardsand three Emmys. Hedied of a heart attackin 2013 at the age of 51.
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“I’m thrilled that I am going to have the opportunity to work with David Chase and the incredible company of talent he has assembled forThe Many Saints of Newark,” Michael added of the series creator.
The Many Saints of Newarkis set within the era of the Newark riots in the 1960s — a time when African-American and Italian gangs in Newark were at each other’s throats.David Chaseco-wrote the script with producer Lawrence Konner.
PEOPLEpreviously confirmedthatJon BernthalandVera Farmigawere in final negotiations to join the cast.Alessandro Nivolajoins the ensemble drama.
James Gandolfini with Michael Gandolfini.George Napolitano/FilmMagic
Bernthal and Farmiga’s roles have yet to be revealed.According toVariety, Nivola, 46, will play Dickie Moltisanti. In the series, Moltisanti is the late uncle of Tony Soprano.
Characters fromThe Sopranos(which just celebrated its 20th anniversary!) are expected to return.
source: people.com
