Many Saints of Newark: Soprano Prequel Release Date, Trailer and More

Many Saints of Newark: Soprano Prequel Release Date, Trailer and More

I woke up this morning to see "The Many Saints of Newark," a prequel film to "The Sopranos" that will be released in theaters and on HBO Max this fall. Yes, for those who haven't thought about the Sopranos and their misdeeds along the Garden State Parkway since that abrupt final moment, you will get a chance to dine with Uncle Junior, Livia, and the rest of the Sopranos family.

But is there such a thing as a Sopranos movie without Tony? It's not, though, because Michael Gandolfini plays a younger version of his father's iconic role. Look at him in the poster above and the picture below, and tell me you're not suppressing your stares and laughter already.

The film, which follows Tony from his school days to becoming a player in the local waste management industry, is directed by "Sopranos" veteran Alan Taylor (who won an Emmy for the episode "Kennedy and Heidi"), with series creator David Chase and screenwriter Lawrence Connor will write the screenplay.

Call your people to tell them about "The Many Saints of Newark," which opens in theaters on October 1.

The good news for those who want to watch it at home (as we did with every episode of The Sopranos) is that the film will also be released on HBO Max on the same date. That's because "The Many Saints of Newark" will only be available for 31 days and is expected to disappear once November rolls around.

The first trailer for The Many Saints of Newark opens with a recording of the late James Gandolfini (as Tony Soprano). The code includes beating people who name-call young Tony Soprano (Michael Gandolfini).

Then one of Tony's teachers flies to a parent-teacher conference trying to convince Livia Soprano (Vera Farmingo) that Tony has a high IQ and is a leader. Livia laughs hysterically at the news. Tony is then seen trying to enter the family business. The rest is a treat to watch.

There are many familiar names played by new faces. We start with Michael Gandolfini ("Ocean's 8"), who appears as a younger version of Tony Soprano, the character that made his father (James Gandolfini) famous. Gandolfini told ET that his father did not want him to be an actor, but encouraged him to be a director or someone with a more powerful role.

Tony's father Giovanni "Johnny Boy" Soprano is played by John Bernal (Netflix's "Punisher"), and his mother Livia Soprano is played by Vera Farmiga (film "Cursed Town"). Corey Stoll ("House of Cards") plays Junior Soprano and Billy Magnussen ("Made for Love") plays Paulie Walnuts.

The rest of the announced cast includes:

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