The Sopranosgenerated a lot of buzz at the turn of the century by pushing the boundaries of television narratives in several unique and compelling ways. Hence, it is easily understandable why fans all over the world are so hyped about the upcoming prequel film to the showThe Many Saints of Newark. Set in the 1960s and 70s, the movie depicts the humble beginnings of the original show’s protagonist Anthony ‘Tony' Soprano, from his teenage years to his rise as the all-powerful mob boss we’re so familiar with.
The Many Saints of Newarkis co-written byThe Sopranosseries creatorDavid Chaseand directed byAlan Taylor. After the unfortunate death ofJames Gandolfiniin 2013, a sequel was out of the question as no one could ever play Tony Sopranos so perfectly as he did. His son,Michael Gandolfini, accepted the role in the upcoming prequel film in honor of his late father, knowing full well the huge responsibility he has taken on his shoulders to shine as the legendary mob boss. In more ways than one, the film will be an emotional and nostalgic trip down memory lane for both the young actor and the loyal fans.
The film is scheduled to release on August 11, 2025, after facing several delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.The Many Saints of Newarkwill bring back various fan-favorite characters fromThe Sopranosin their younger forms, and there have been new additions to the cast as well. Let’s have a closer look at all the key players who will play an important role in the narration of the prequel story.
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Tony Soprano (Michael Gandolfini)
One of the main focuses ofThe Many Saints of Newarkwill be Tony Soprano’s origins. All eyes will be on James Gandolfini’s son, Michael Gandolfini, who will be seen playing his late father’s legendary role. Tony will play an important role in the story ofThe Many Saints of Newark, as obvious from the official movie trailer. Fans will get to see how Tony rose to become the famous mob boss we know fromThe Sopranos, and his part in preserving the DiMeo crime family during the 1967 riots. Michael has a lot to live up to, but he certainly has some experience under his belt, having played key roles in the HBO drama seriesThe DeuceandRusso Brothers' crime dramaCherry.
Dickie Moltisanti (Alessandro Nivola)
Dickie Moltisanti was the main driving force in Tony’s life. He was an inspirational figure who helped build a foundation for young Tony as the future mob boss of the DiMeo crime family. Fans have only seen Dickie in a photo on the original series. He is the father of Tony’s cousin Christopher (Michael Imperioli), who Tony chooses as his successor but ultimately “whacks” in Season 6. Moltisanti essentially translates to ‘many saints', which is an interesting trivia considering the title of the film isThe Many Saints of Newark. This might point to the fact he will be an important character in the film. Dickie Moltisanti is played byAlessandro Nivola, whose acting credits includeFace/OffandJurassic Park III.
Livia Soprano (Vera Farmiga)
The woman who made Tony’s life a living hell, Livia Soprano, his mom, is back once again, but we have yet to see if her younger version is as quirky and pessimistic as her aged counterpart, played byNancy MarchandonThe Sopranos. As we know from the original series, Livia had a troubled relationship with her family, and she was partially responsible for a lot of Tony’s mental health problems. InThe Many Saints of Newark, Livia is played by the very talented actressVera Farmiga, who has played the lead in theConjuringmovie series.
Giovanni Francis “Johnny Boy” Soprano (John Bernthal)
After Dickie Moltisanti, if there’s anyone who Tony respected the most, it would be his father, Johnny Boy Soprano, played byJoseph Siravoin the original series. He expressed his admiration for his father a few times throughout the series, though his mob activities left a negative impact on his young mind as a child.The PunisherstarJohn Bernthalwill be playing the role of Tony’s dad inThe Many Saints of Newark, so we can be sure we’ll see a lot of guns-blazing action in the prequel film.
Corrado John “Junior” Soprano (Corey Stoll)
The Sopranosbegins with the story of a strained relationship between Tony and his uncle Corrado “Junior” Soprano. Played byDominic Chianesein the original series, we see the rise and fall of Junior Soprano as an ambitious former mob boss who succumbs to his old age. We know fromThe Sopranosthat Tony was on good terms with his uncle when his father Johnny Boy was alive, so we can expect Corrado to play a larger role in the film.The AntmanandHouse of CardsactorCorey Stollwill be playing the character inThe Many Saints of Newark.
Peter “Paulie Walnuts” Gualtieri (Billy Magnussen)
Probably one of the most hilarious and psychotic characters onThe Sopranos, Paulie Gualtieri was one of Tony’s most trusted allies.Tony Sirico’s magnificent performance in the original series added a certain spunk to the character, especially with his “winged” hairstyle. We know that he started his career as an underling to Tony’s father, and there’s a Virgin Mary reference in the trailer, which can tie back to Paulie’s vision inThe Sopranos.Billy Magnussen(Game Night, No Time to Die) will play a younger version of Paulie in the film.
Silvio Dante (John Magaro)
Silvio Dante was the most level-headed guy in Tony’s crew inThe Sopranos, who stayed loyal to him till the end. Like Paulie, Silvio too started his career under Johnny Soprano, and later became Tony’s right-hand man. Played by the amazingSteven Van Zandton the series, he often brought smiles to everyone’s face with his Al Pacino impression. He will be played byThe Umbrella Academy’sJohn Magaroin the prequel movie.
Salvatore Bonpensiero (Samson Moeakiola)
Tony’s traitor friend Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero, played byVincent Pastoreon the HBO show, also featured for a brief moment in the trailer. We might get a backstory as to why and when exactly he decided to turn his back on the DiMeo crime family, despite being so close to them. He will be portrayed by relative newcomerSamson Moeakiolain the film.
Harold McBrayer (Leslie Odom Jr.)
One of the new characters to be introduced in the prequel film, Harold McBrayer seems to be one of the key characters who played a crucial role in the 1967 riots.HamiltonstarLeslie Odom Jr.will play the role on the big screen.
Cyril (Germar Terrell Gardner)
Cyril seems to be the right-hand man of Harold McBrayer. He is played byGothamactorGermar Terrell Gardner. Not much is known about the character as of yet.
Aldo “Hollywood Dick” Moltisanti (Ray Liotta)
GoodfellasstarRay Liottawas a surprise addition to the cast, as he made an appearance in the official trailer ofThe Many Saints of Newark. He’ll play Aldo “Hollywood Dick” Moltisanti, who is the father of Dickie Moltisanti in the film.
Joanne Moltisanti (Gabriella Piazza)
Joanne Moltisanti was the wife of Dickie Moltisanti, and mother of Christopher. She was played byMarianne Leone Cooperin the original series. ActressGabriella Piazzawill be playing the role inThe Many Saints of Newark.
