With directorAlan Taylor’sThe Many Saints of Newarknow playing in theaters and streaming on HBO Max, I recently spoke toCorey StollandBilly Magnussenabout making the prequel film to HBO’s hit crime drama,The Sopranos. During the interview they talked about how they each got ready for their roles, what people would be surprised to learn about the making of the film, what it was like shooting two weeks of nothing but funeral scenes, how Magnussen originally auditioned to be another character, and more.
If you haven’t seen the trailers,The Many Saints of Newarkis set in 1960s New Jersey during one of the most tumultuous eras in the city’s history and follows the people that shaped a young Tony Soprano. While you might think the film is mostly focused on Tony (Michael Gandolfini), it’s actually more about the uncle he idolizes, Richard “Dickie” Moltisanti, played byAlessandro Nivola, who is the father ofThe Sopranos’ Christopher Moltisanti.
In addition,Jon Bernthalplays Johnny Soprano, Tony’s father and a capo in the DiMeo crime family;Vera Farmigaplays a younger version of Livia Soprano, Tony’s mother, who was played byNancy MarchandinThe Sopranos; Stoll plays a younger version of Junior Soprano, the character played byDominic Chianese; and Magnussen plays a younger version of Paul “Paulie Walnuts” Gualtieri, the character played byTony Sirico. The film also starsLeslie Odom Jr.,Ray Liotta,Gabriella Piazza, and is co-written by series creatorDavid ChaseandLawrence Konner.
During the interview they talked about how they each got ready for their roles, what people would be surprised to learn about the making of the film, what it was like shooting two weeks of nothing but funeral scenes, how Magnussen originally auditioned to be another character, and more.
RELATED:David Chase on ‘The Many Saints of Newark’ and Talking to Terence Winter About a Sequel
Watch what Corey Stoll and Billy Magnussen had to say in the player above and below is exactly what we talked about.
Corey Stoll and Billy Magnussen
