Throughout the first teaser for “The Many Saints of Newark,” Michael Gandolfini takes on the character of a younger Tony Soprano, which his deceased dad James Gandolfini, popularised in HBO’s iconic series “The Sopranos.”
David Chase’s “Sopranos” prologue centres on Tony’s formative days and his pivotal association to Dickie Moltisanti (Alessandro Nivola), the creator of Michael Imperioli’s “Sopranos” figure Christopher Moltisanti.
“Legends aren’t born, they’re made,” Dickie says while he guides the naïve, college-bound Tony further underground. Dickie further demonstrates how to handle “hot speakers.” “You take the speakers right and say to yourself, ‘This is the last time I’m ever going to steal things,'” Dickie explains. “It’s as easy as that.” It solidifies Tony Soprano’s lengthy, torturous crooked career Tony’s famous fury is clearly on exhibit in the initial seconds, as the older Gandolfini is overheard saying in the “Sopranos” audio, “When I was a kid, guys like me were taught to follow codes.”
Vera Farmiga quickly shines out amid the ensemble as young Livia Soprano, the corrosive wayward mother played famously by Nancy Marchand in the classic series. Livia hardens when a guidance counsellor tells her that her battling kid has a strong IQ. “You can’t prove it to me, he’s got a D-plus,” she sneers, before dismissing his leadership acumen.
Despite the fact that Ray Liotta’s “Hollywood Dick” Moltisanti tells his child Dickie to “keep out” of Tony’s affairs, the vicious protege’s destiny is apparent. The trailer’s closing scene transitions into the title sequence from “The Sopranos.”
“The Many Saints of Newark,” created by Alan Taylor (2013’s “Thor: The Dark World”), who earned an Emmy for directing “The Sopranos,” would be released in theatres starting October 1. (streaming on HBO Max for 31 days following theatrical release).
The ensemble also includes Leslie Odom Jr. (as Harold McBrayer), Jon Bernthal (as Johnny Soprano), Corey Stoll (as Junior Soprano), Billy Magnussen (as Paulie “Walnuts” Gualtieri), John Magaro (as Silvio Dante), and Italian starlet Michela De Rossi.