To celebrate the release of The Many Saints of Newark, the new prequel to The Sopranos, we sat down with the cast, filmmakers, and creator to find out about the eagerly anticipated film.
Young Anthony Soprano (Michael Gandolfini) is growing up in one of the most tumultuous eras in Newark, N.J., history, becoming a man just as rival gangsters start to rise up and challenge the all-powerful DiMeo crime family. Caught up in the changing times is the uncle he idolizes, Dickie Moltisanti (Alessandro Nivola), whose influence over his nephew will help shape the impressionable teenager into the all-powerful mob boss, Tony Soprano.
We had the pleasure of chatting too much on the superb ensemble of the film, including Alessandro Nivola about his first leading role and paying homage to the original show while still being their own entity; Michael Gandolfini about playing the formative years of Tony Soprano and the subtle changes through the film; Leslie Odom Jnr on his new character Harold McBrayer and the importance of representation in the context of the history showcased in the film; and newcomer Michela De Rossi who plays Giuseppina Rossi, who acts as our entry into the world of the Mafia and portraying a strong, purposeful woman in the midst of the dealings around her.
We also spoke to creator David Chase about the initial idea of the film, why he felt now was the right time to dive back into the mythology and assembling his equally impressive ensemble; as well as director Alan Taylor about returning both to the big screen after his stints with Thor and Terminator and The Sopranos, and tells us about the practicalities of bringing the film to life and making it a worthwhile cinematic experience.
You can watch all of our interviews below:
The Many Saints of Newark opens on September 22nd.
