Can the brilliance of The Sopranos translate to the big screen?
New footage has been released from one of the most anticipated movies of the year – The Many Saints of Newark.
A prequel film to hit TV series The Sopranos, it will explore the formative years of New Jersey gangster Tony Soprano.
As for why there is so much hype for the movie, The Sopranos – which followed Soprano as he tried to balance his family life with his role as boss of a criminal organisation – is still often referred to as the best TV show of all time.
And although it wrapped with an iconic if divisive ending in 2007, the show’s creator David Chase is returning to the character, co-writing this 1960s and 1970s set prequel.
While that news alone would be enough to thrill fans of the series, the casting for the prequel has gotten people doubly excited.
The younger iteration of Tony Soprano will be played by Michael Gandolfini (The Deuce), the son of The Soprano’s star James Gandolfini who passed away in 2013.
Check out the new trailer below.
Clip via Warner Bros. UK & Ireland
The plot synopsis for The Many Saints of Newark reads:
“Young Anthony Soprano is growing up in one of the most tumultuous eras in Newark’s history, becoming a man just as rival gangsters begin to rise up and challenge the all-powerful DiMeo crime family’s hold over the increasingly race-torn city.
“Caught up in the changing times is the uncle he idolizes, Dickie Moltisanti (Alessandro Nivola), who struggles to manage both his professional and personal responsibilities — and whose influence over his nephew will help make the impressionable teenager into the all-powerful mob boss we’ll later come to know: Tony Soprano.”
The new trailer for the film gives viewers more footage of young Tony Soprano, as well as his uncle who will play a key role in his development.
It also contains brief glimpses of other young versions of fan favourite characters from the show such as Junior Soprano, Livia Soprano, Paulie “Walnuts” Gualtieri, Silvio Dante and Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero who are played by Corey Stoll, Vera Farmiga, Billy Magnussen, John Magaro and Samson Moeakiola.
Rounding out the cast is Jon Bernthal, Leslie Odom Jr and Ray Liotta, with the film to be directed by Alan Taylor who helmed multiple episodes of the series.
The Many Saints of Newark will be released in Irish cinemas on 22 September.
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