‘Sopranos’ gears up for prequel

Alessandro Nivola–AP

The star of the upcoming “The Sopranos” prequel says a young Tony Soprano will be a part of the film—but had good reason to be careful about how much else he revealed about “The Many Saints of Newark.”

Alessandro Nivola talked to The Associated Press before a recent panel discussion led by creator David Chase to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “The Sopranos” in New York.

“I have to be discreet about it, so David Chase doesn’t kill me,” Nivola said. “I’m playing Dickie Moltisanti, who is the central character in the movie, and he is Christopher Moltisanti’s dad.”

Christopher Moltisanti, who was played by Michael Imperioli in the series, was a protégé of Tony Soprano, the New Jersey mob boss portrayed by James Gandolfini.

Though the elder Moltisanti never appeared in the series, he is often mentioned as part of Christopher’s backstory. The father was gunned down when Christopher was young, and Nivola said the film will explore the interlocking history of Dickie Moltisanti and Tony Soprano.

“Tony will be a character in the film, and as mentioned throughout ‘The Sopranos’ series, my character was an important person in his life, and it examines that relationship, as well,” Nivola said.

The film begins in 1967 with the backdrop of the race riots that tore through Newark, New Jersey. Nivola said racial tension is “a big part of the story.”

Nivola cited “weird coincidences” that told him this role was meant for him, including the fact that his real-life neighbor is Tim Van Patten, who directed many episodes of “The Sopranos.”

Another coincidence connects his own family to the show: An episode in the second season shows Soprano visiting Naples, Italy. In one of the scenes, just over Gandolfini’s shoulder, is seen a sculpture—made by Nivola’s grandfather, artist Constantino Nivola.

Chase will produce “The Many Saints of Newark” and has written the script with “The Sopranos” writer Lawrence Konner. Alan Taylor, who helmed episodes of “The Sopranos,” “Mad Men” and “Game of Thrones,” will direct. They will begin shooting in April.

“So, I got a little time to hang out in social clubs before then,” Nivola joked. —AP