Back in March,we reportedthat aThe Sopranosprequel movie was in the works.SopranoscreatorDavid Chaseco-wrote the script withSopranosveteranLawrence Konnerabout the era of the Newark riots in the 1960s. Specifically, this time period saw African Americans and the Italians of Newark at each other’s throats, and the gangsters of each group took lethal measures. The setting then allows forSopranoscharacters to appear as their younger selves.
The Wrapis now reporting thatAlan Taylor, who previously directed episodes ofThe Sopranosincluding winning an Emmy in 2007 for Outstanding Directing for the episode “Kennedy and Heidi”. He also directedSopranosepisodes in four out of the show’s six seasons.
Since then, Taylor went with more blockbuster fare includingGame of Thrones,Thor: The Dark World, andTerminator Genisys, but a homecoming of sorts withThe Sopranosshould be a good fit, although I imagine the canvas of a feature film will makeThe Many Saints of Newarkfeels significantly different than your standardSopranosepisodes (although it was an incredibly cinematic series).
The biggest question is when will casting ramp up and which younger characters will we see. Can anyone possibly fill the shoes ofJames Gandolfini? Or would it be better to go after supporting characters like Paulie Walnuts and Junior Soprano? Personally, I feel like the latter direction is better because it lets you tie in this era of gangsters we never really saw whereasThe Sopranoswas Tony’s story and it should remain contained to Tony’s story. That being said, I wouldn’t wholly object to Tony being in a supporting role and seeing how he compared as a young man to Christopher, his heir apparent in the series.
The Many Saints of Newarkoffers a lot of intriguing possibilities, and I’m eager to see this one come to fruition.
