James Gandolfini’s son Michael Gandolfini cast as Tony Soprano in ‘Sopranos’ movie

Michael Gandolfini, son of the late James Gandolfini, will play the young Tony Soprano in “The Many Saints of Newark,” the prequel movie to the television series “The Sopranos.”

“It’s a profound honor to continue my dad’s legacy while stepping into the shoes of a young Tony Soprano,” Gandolfini said. “I’m thrilled that I am 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.’”

Alan Taylor is directing the movie for New Line. The cast includes Cory Stoll, Billy Magnussen, Jon Bernthal, Alessandro Nivola, and Vera Farmiga. The film is set during the Newark riots in the ’60s, when the acrimony between African-Americans and Italian-Americans became lethal.

See photos of Michael Gandolfini:

Series creator David Chase co-wrote the script with producer Lawrence Konner. Nicole Lambert and Marcus Viscidi are executive producing.

James Gandolfini originated the role of Tony Soprano on the HBO series, which premiered in 1999 and ran for six seasons. The role earned him three Primetime Emmys, one Golden Globe, and three SAG awards. The elder Gandolfini died in 2013 at the age of 51.

Michael Gandolfini is best known for his role on HBO’s “The Deuce.” He is repped by WME and Brookside Artist Management. The news was first reported by Deadline Hollywood.

See photos of the late James Gandolfini:

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