"The Sopranos" prequel movie "The Many Saints of Newark" is slowly coming together. David Chase's new project, which will tackle the life of the mob in New Jersey in the 1960s, has rounded up its cast list with some noteworthy names.
"The Punisher" star Jon Bernthal and "Bates Motel" actress Vera Farmiga has been cast in "The Many Saints of Newark." According to TV Line, their roles remain a big secret, but it is assumed that they will have to start learning to talk with a Jersey accent to prepare for the film.
Also tapped to join "The Sopranos" spinoff are "House of Cards" actor Corey Stoll and "Aladdin" prince Billy Magnussen, but their roles are also shrouded in mystery, according to Variety. The four stars will support Alessandro Nivola, who was the first cast as Dickey Moltisanti, the film's lead character, in November.
Moltisanti never appeared in "The Sopranos" series when it ran on HBO from 1999 to 2007. But the character has a lasting imprint in the series because he was mob boss Tony Soprano's (James Gandolfini) mentor and father figure. The character was always mentioned with fondness in some of the episodes.
Fans speculate that Farmiga will likely play the role of Tony's mother, Livia Soprano, in her younger years. Bernthal might be playing the role of Tony's father, Johnny Soprano. Others also assume that Stoll might play the younger version of Tony's Uncle Junior Soprano.
Meanwhile, Chase confirmed that "The Many Saints of Newark" will feature a young Tony. However, much of the story will revolve around Moltisanti's dealings as a member of the Newark mafia. Specifically, the prequel movie will explore the tension between the African-Americans and the mob during a turbulent time in America.
"The Sopranos" prequel comes 20 years after the series debuted on television. Admittedly, Chase said that he's a bit nervous about doing this movie because "The Sopranos" was such prestige television. Revered both by fans and critics, Chase said there will still be a segment of fans who won't be happy about the movie's outcome no matter what he'll do.
In the meantime, filming for "The Many Saints of Newark" won't begin until April. The movie has not yet landed a director, and New Line has not yet set its release date in theaters. Chase has been developing "The Many Saints of Newark" since 2010 with writer Lawrence Konner.
