Michael Gandolfini has addressed speculation about whether he would return as a young Tony Soprano in another Sopranos prequel project. While expressing appreciation for the role he played in The Many Saints of Newark, he suggested that the character’s story may have already been fully explored.
“Look, it’s David’s universe,” he said, referring to Sopranos creator David Chase. “It’s up to David, ultimately. I know that David’s working on some other things, not Sopranos-related, which would be exciting.” Though interested in working with Chase again, Gandolfini did not see another appearance as Tony in his future. “I think Tony’s probably set to rest now for good, but who knows,” he said.
Gandolfini first portrayed Tony in The Many Saints of Newark, a 2021 prequel film written and produced by Chase. The story, set during the Newark riots of the 1960s, followed a young Tony being pulled into the world of organized crime under the guidance of his uncle, Dickie Moltisanti.
Reflecting on his experience, Gandolfini described the opportunity as one of the most significant moments of his career. “I’m so honored that I got to be a part of that story,” he said. “I got to be a small part of that huge world, and that is one of the greatest gifts that has ever really been a part of my career. So I’m grateful for it, and I’m ready to move on and be a new thing.”
At the time of The Sopranos finale in 2007, Gandolfini was eight years old. He later came to appreciate the show as a viewer, gaining a deeper understanding of his father’s work. “First, becoming a fan of the show for the first time. I was a kid; I didn’t know what it was. I didn’t know what it was about. Falling in love with the show was an incredible experience for me, and being very proud of my dad,” he said.
Though Chase has not announced plans for another prequel, Gandolfini remains open to future collaborations.