The face, the language, the movements: The creators of the planned sequel to the TV series "The Sopranos" have found their Tony Soprano. The role of the son of the original actor James Gandolfini, Michael.
Although the 19-year-old has a strong resemblance to his father, the alone would not have been enough for his selection. According to unnamed insiders, Michael Gandolfini regularly took part in the audition for the role in the movie "The Many Saints of Newark," the industry service "Deadline". Here he convinced the makers of screenwriter David Chase according to the information quickly.
REUTERS / HBO
James Gandolfini played from 1999 to 2007, the mafia gangster Tony Soprano
Michael Gandolfini has played only minor roles, including in the US series "The Deuce". He says about his first starring role: "It's a great honor for me to continue my father's work and to play the role of young Tony Soprano."
"The Many Saints of Newark" settled in the 1960s, when Newark riots and street fighting between the Italian-American and black populations took place. Other cast include Vera Farmiga and Alessandro Nivola. Directed by Alan Taylor, who also directed several episodes of the series.
The premiere of "The Sopranos" celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The series produced six seasons and ran until 2007. Especially in the US, it is celebrated as a pop culture phenomenon, makers and performers won a total of 21 Emmys and five Golden Globes.
In Germany, however, the series could not prevail, the ZDF moved the broadcast first in the night program and then put them completely off. Undoubtedly, however, is the influence of the "sopranos" on modern storytelling in television series, such as successors such as "Breaking Bad".
James Gandolfini had become famous with the role of Tony Soprano. He unexpectedly died in 2013 of a heart attack. His son Michael found him unconscious in a hotel room in Rome.