The Many Saints of Newark: Playing Tony Soprano took Michael Gandolfini ‘a lot of courage’, James’s widow says
22-year-old will step into his late father’s shoes in prequel film
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Michael Gandolfini needed “a lot of courage” for his “emotional” performance as young Tony Soprano.
The 22-year-old will star later this year in The Many Saints of Newark as a teenage version of the role his late father, James Gandolfini, made famous.
Speaking to The New York Post, Deborah Lin, James’s second wife and Michael’s stepmother, said that it had taken “a lot of courage” for the actor to step into the part that won his father six Emmys.
“It was almost surreal to see Michael in the trailer,” Lin said.
“I know it took a lot of courage for him to take this role. It was very emotional. But the whole family is just so proud of him. His father would be very proud.”
The trailer for The Many Saints of Newark was released last month, with Sopranos fans hailing the “perfect casting” of Michael and saying that the footage left them in tears.
Originally airing on HBO between 1999 and 2007, The Sopranos focused on the personal and professional life of New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano.
The prequel film will take place during Tony’s teenage years.
The Many Saints of Newark arrives in the US on HBO Max on 1 October, with a UK release yet to be announced.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments