Fans of "The Sopranos" have just been given a glimpse into how a young teen named Anthony ultimately grew to become one of the greatest mob bosses in Hollywood.
A prequel to the long-running mob series has been in the works since 2019, and finally a new trailer for the upcoming film, "The Many Saints of Newark," has been released. It does not disappoint.
In the video clip, a teacher tells Tony’s mother, played by Vera Farmiga, that despite her son's D+ average, he has a high IQ.
"The results tell us, he’s a leader," the teacher says, and this sets the tone for what is to come.
"The Many Saints of Newark" tells of how the young Anthony, who is played by Michael Gandolfini, joined a world of crime. Fans will recognize Michael as the son of the late James Gandolfini, who famously played the role of Tony Soprano in the original series, and who died of a heart attack in Rome in 2013 at age 51.
"It's a profound honor to continue my dad's legacy while stepping into the shoes of a young Tony Soprano," Michael previously told 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.'"
For those who are unfamiliar with the plot, the film is set in the era of the Newark riots, which was a time when rival gangs rose up to challenge the powerful DiMeo crime family that had a hold on the city. It makes for the perfect backdrop for Tony's story.
Based on the trailer, the film centers on the relationship between Tony and his uncle Dickie Moltisanti, played by Alessandro Nivola, who has had a heavy influence on his nephew, and who eventually steered him into the underworld.
"Just say to yourself, this is the last time I’m ever going to steal something," Dickie tells Tony in the trailer. "It’s that simple."
"The Sopranos" creator David Chase wrote the script for the upcoming film, set to be released in theaters in the U.S. on Oct. 1, according to The Wrap. Alan Taylor, who directed several episodes of the series, will be at the helm of the film as director. In addition to Michael, Nivola, and Farmiga, the cast includes Leslie Odom Jr., Jon Bernthal, Corey Stoll, Billy Magnussen, John Magaro, Michela De Rossi, and Ray Liotta.
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