We have known for a while now that David Chase is working with New Line to develop a prequel film to his hit series “The Sopranos,” titled “The Many Saints of Newark.” However, not much is known about the film, other than a brief synopsis. Well, now that changes, as we are starting to learn who’s going to star in the upcoming crime film.
Variety is reporting that actor Alessandro Nivola is in negotiations to star in “The Many Saints of Newark.” Nivola will play Dickey Moltisanti in the film. For those not steeped in “The Sopranos” lore, Dickey Moltisanti is the deceased uncle of Tony Soprano and the father of Christopher Moltisanti, played by Michael Imperioli. While never a character in the HBO series (he died prior to the beginning of the famous show), Dickey Moltisanti is mentioned a few times as one of the men who turned the small crime gang into the empire that Tony Soprano eventually runs.
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Alessandro Nivola is one of those actors that has been seen in a variety of roles throughout his 20-plus year career. He’s appeared in films like “American Hustle,” “A Most Violent Year,” and “Selma.” Recently, Nivola was seen in the films “You Were Never Really Here” and “Disobedience.” But, if you’re a fan of the classic 1995 action film “Face/Off” (and why wouldn’t you be?), then you probably know Nivola best for his role as Pollux Troy, the…odd brother of Castor Troy, famous for his pinky waving technique.
“The Many Saints of Newark” is set to be written by Chase, along with co-writer Lawrence Konner. The film will be directed by Alan Taylor, who directed episodes of the original series. There’s no release date set for the film, but we’ll be sure to keep you up to date when the next casting hits.
Until then, why not take a look at the aforementioned Nivola in “Face/Off” (as the only person in the film perhaps trying harder than John Travolta and Nic Cage) with this video that cleverly puts together every line from Pollux Troy. It’s definitely something: