Michael Gandolfini to play young Tony in 'Sopranos' prequel movie

Michael Gandolfini attends HBO's "The Sopranos" 20th anniversary at the SVA Theatre in Manhattan on Jan. 9. Credit: AP / Invision / Charles Sykes
Michael Gandolfini, the actor son of late "Sopranos" star James Gandolfini, will play the young version of his father's Tony Soprano in the planned movie prequel to the acclaimed HBO series.
Deadline.com reported Tuesday that "Sopranos" creator David Chase had chosen Michael Gandolfini for "The Many Saints of Newark" after an extensive audition process. The actor, who was born in 1999 or 2000 according to differing sources, has most prominently played Joey Dwyer, the ne'er-do-well nephew of twin brothers Frankie and Vincent Martino (James Franco) on HBO's current series "The Deuce.” He is the son of James Gandolfini and first wife Marcy Wudarski, who were married from 1999 to 2002.
The industry trade site said that in addition to the physical resemblance, Michael Gandolfini had the mannerisms and a deep understanding of the character.
"It's a profound honor to continue my dad's legacy while stepping into the shoes of a young Tony Soprano," Michael Gandolfini said in a statement to Deadline. "I'm thrilled that I'm going to have the opportunity to work with David Chase and the incredible company of talent he has assembled for 'The Many Saints of Newark.' "
Jon Bernthal, Vera Farmiga, Billy Magnussen and Corey Stoll are also set to star in the New Line Cinema film.
Written by Chase and Lawrence Konner and directed by multi-episode "Sopranos" helmer Alan Taylor, the movie takes place during the 1960s race riots in Newark, New Jersey, with mobster Dickie Moltisanti (Alessandro Nivola) mentoring a young Tony Soprano.
In the 1999-2007 series — which won 21 Emmy Awards and was hailed as groundbreaking for its delving into the family life and inner dynamics of a nominally villainous character — James Gandolfini's Tony ran a New Jersey organized crime crew, with actors Michael Imperioli, Tony Sirico and Steve Van Zandt playing members of his inner circle.
For the role, James Gandolfi won the Emmy Award for outstanding lead actor in a drama series in 2000, 2001 and 2003.
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