Michael Gandolfini and Jon Bernthal Talk About New ‘Sopranos’ Prequel

“The Many Saints of Newark,” a new film, shows the roots of Tony Soprano, played in the prequel by Michael Gandolfini, son of late “Sopranos” star James Gandolfini. He joins TODAY along with Jon Bernthal, who plays Tony’s father. “It’s just about being the best actor that I could be,” Michael says. “It was a beautiful thing to be sort of part of his process,” Bernthal says.» Subscribe to TODAY: on.today.com/SubscribeToTODAY
» Watch the latest from TODAY: bit.ly/LatestTODAY
About: TODAY brings you the latest headlines and expert tips on money, health and parenting. We wake up every morning to give you and your family all you need to start your day. If it matters to you, it matters to us. We are in the people business. Subscribe to our channel for exclusive TODAY archival footage & our original web series.
Connect with TODAY Online!
Visit TODAY's Website: on.today.com/ReadTODAY
Find TODAY on Facebook: on.today.com/LikeTODAY
Follow TODAY on Twitter: on.today.com/FollowTODAY
Follow TODAY on Instagram: on.today.com/InstaTODAY
#Gandolfini #Sorpanos #Newark
Michael Gandolfini and Jon Bernthal Talk About New ‘Sopranos’ Prequel

[@NasimDaDream]

Bernthal and Gandolfini are absolute gems. Michael's eyes carry the same warmth and depth as his amazing father. Beautiful. So amped for this!!!

[@tetsuoshima7385]

Just saw it tonight. Was great to flesh out some of those characters. Hope you enjoy it.👍🏻🙂

[@christianruiz5385]

How wonderful that Michael is carrying on his father's legacy his father must be watching him from heaven

[@blotfd]

he seems medicated

[@TrueNorth1217]

@@blotfd huh?

[@thunderousapplause]

@@blotfd you seem medicated

[@roxannemua9350]

@@blotfd medicated on what?

[@jayyt2969]

This guy definitely has the makings of a varsity actor.

[@Sophie_kent]

Versatile?

[@fizefx867]

Top tier comment!🤣

[@harrykatsaros]

🤣🤣

[@lolwuttup420]

@@Sophie_kent It’s a famous line from the Sopranos. Tony Sopranos’ Uncle would troll Tony by saying, “He never had the makings of a Varsity athlete.”

[@darth_testies2637]

Noooo🤣🤣🤣

[@emacias1980]

Michael is going to pick up where his father stopped. This kid will win an Academy Award soon. 👏 I'm a fan.

[@michaeltonner7768]

I bet he will

[@jovankasmiljanic-jazic5987]

AGREED!

[@buckeyes2387]

Agreed

[@bigding8977]

So wonderful seeing Michael Gandolfini smiling and happy after everything he's been through.

[@MegaStevie1990]

For sure!

[@michaeltonner7768]

@@MegaStevie1990 seems like a great kid

[@superawesomefunfilms]

@@JohnnySack16 his dad died when he was 10 and the internet has been thinking he’s damaged for the past 15 years

[@michaeltonner7768]

@@JohnnySack16 the kid has alot of courage

[@michaeltonner7768]

@@JohnnySack16 that's not what I meant, the kid will shine for sure, the apple does not fall far from the tree

[@juliemosher2372]

When I saw the trailer for the first time, I couldn't believe the resemblance between Micheal and his father. I wish him nothing but good things in life and his acting career.

[@kdizzle901]

Usually kids look like there parents lol

[@kristianbest3360]

@@kdizzle901 he’s talking about the acting smartass

[@pollardk.1116]

Indeed.

[@michaeltonner7768]

He will go far as an actor

[@Relentless0808]

A new member of the Sopranos! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn2xnGCknZWBnpI

[@rudyelguezabal501]

Michael is going to be a huge movie star 🌟 his dad is looking down so proud.

[@praba991ify]

A lister

[@MATA-mz1db]

He meant from heaven

[@bloodmoon4012]

Don’t go into this movie with high expectations and ignore the bad reviews They don’t mean anything Appreciate the movie for even being made

[@erikmurray3661]

No he's not. Nobody is.

[@erikmurray3661]

@Va Slim haha foreal right

[@weasley2o13]

Michael is so emotional when they mention his dad. He's beautiful. And brave.

[@samanthab1923]

I think he was alone with him in Italy when he died. Traumatic for any kid.

[@PoppieLand]

I wish they'd go easy with some of their questions

[@michaeltonner7768]

You could almost see his tears, very emotional

[@michaeltonner7768]

@@samanthab1923 he was on vacation with his dad

[@michaeltonner7768]

@@PoppieLand I agree and you can tell Jon thinks the world of him and vice versa

[@wolgarush]

This made me cry, those pictures and Michael's smile. I just lost my dad about two months ago and it's so beautiful seeing something so commemorative and honest like this.

[@dean-marr]

Sending love 💘

[@JoyBoyGiorno]

My condolences brother 🙏❤️ I’m sure your father is looking down on you proud!

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

I wanted way more of Johnny Boy. He was SO good in this movie.

[@michaelsheppard87]

Yeah, and besides him dickie, and Tony there wasn’t much good in the movie

[@Kal-elego]

@@michaelsheppard87 Vera was pretty as younger Livia 2 tho

[@michaelsheppard87]

@@Kal-elego she was alright, but this plot and script was so bad, I think they may have hired the actor that played silvio off the street

[@user-ch1jg7mq6v]

@@michaelsheppard87 agreed. Guy made movie look like a comedy

[@ffc303]

There's gonna be another movie. They have decades of time to use. I'm so hopeful. It could be brought back to HBO as a series kinda like the Godfather movies.

[@nicolep2151]

My God he looks like his dad!!!!! He's humble, mom did a great job with him. Can't wait to see what's in store for his career.

[@erikdevoch7236]

This is an incredibly wholesome interview

[@mrs.herculepoirot7763]

Michael seems like a wonderful young man. I can't wait to see this.

[@fuggedaboutit698]

4:36 thats tony soprano right there.

[@Sernival]

Wow i see it

[@mohammedhussain4907]

John Bernthal: “I’m in awre of you Michael”

[@francisalbert1799]

He’s got a lot of moxie for his size

[@franciscoleventhal3688]

@@francisalbert1799 tell me about it. He’s a fighter.

[@sturgeon2888]

"I'm an oar of you"

[@gigid9606]

JB is a cutie.. Jewish not even Italian

[@itsAurora-zq8cb]

@@gigid9606 yup...he's hot

[@JustDavidK]

I love how Michael’s head tilts automatically reminds me of a scene where his dad did this on the Sopranos. Such a remarkable and impressionable young man. His star is definitely rising, and I am looking forward to seeing what else he offers us on both the big and small screens for years to come.

[@MegaStevie1990]

I'm so excited about his future! He seems like a good kid. His father would be very proud of him.

[@BarberShave19]

I just love how the first line of dialogue in the clip was "Oohh!!" This really is a Sopranos movie. 😁

[@mikala2088]

I just recently finished the sopranos for the first time. I understand why it’s regarded as one of the best now. I’m so happy for his kid. That’s a beautiful circle of life

[@arianrahman5886]

Everything about it is so heartwarming, we just know James would be proud of the man his little boy Michael has grown up to become. No one else on this planet more fit to play Young Tony Soprano

[@ElOrlyOrozco]

I cried watching this. Imagine watching from heaven that your son is so passionate about something and it turns out to be the same thing you were passionate about.

[@purnenduray1130]

I can just watch them talk about the movie and the Sopranos and anything for days 😭🔥🔥🔥🔥.

[@benperry5396]

Michael comes across as an absolute sweetheart ey.

[@michaeltonner7768]

He was brought up with rspect

[@garethcraddock9971]

The fundamental question is, will he be as effective as a boss like his dad was? And he will be, even more so. But until he is, it's going to be hard to verify that he thinks he'll be more effective.

[@eddieg1230]

Your brother Billy, whatever happened there…

[@Michellemybelle2012]

But they’re two different versions of Tony right? Keep that in mind. It’s not like Tony was always this big mob boss. We get to see a different side of the character and maybe how he evolved to where we see him in Sopranos. I think Michael will be perfect for that particular Tony.

[@_JM-]

great comment. Very allegorical of you

[@198634]

Wow …. Comment and criticism of the year …. Thanks for the great analysis Gene Siskel….

[@aldiyarball2914]

@@stekelly9182 god rest his soul 🙏🏼

[@barbarazimmer3127]

he is a class act like his Dad.

[@rowdymays9078]

Jon bernthal is the man, seems like such a nice genuine dude as well

[@bodhi8297]

I love Jon Bernthal, great actor and can’t wait to see him and Michael in The Many Saints Of Newark

[@FreeOpenTruth]

True, but I hated him in Walking Dead.

[@korihagerud4624]

@@FreeOpenTruth Yes Shane was a mess but he was born to play Shane . He’s such a humble soft spoken guy . That’s some good acting to play that character like he did .

[@MosaicRose99]

@@korihagerud4624 So true. it just proves that Jon is such a great actor. In real life, he is so different from Shane. I can't tell you how many times I have read about fans and other celebrites who have met and or worked with him and have said how much they like Jon Bernthal.

[@spanqueluv9er]

Get ready for a massive disappointment.

[@Gameang123acdc]

The dog! Is that Tippy? lmao

[@samanthab1923]

Oh no!

[@mscarolynnigro]

The young Gandolfini has a very appealing quality.

[@benkeel2966]

Jimmy loved this kid so much. So much❣

[@kale6264]

There’s a lot of us cheering for you Michael!

[@saulshlosberg1020]

Michael is the best but the interviewer said it’s “his first movie”. I kinda went crazy because there are films like Cherry with Tom Holland was another one of his AMAZING ROLES.

[@alfonsogayman9699]

I think she meant leading role but you’re right he was excellent in Cherry

[@saulshlosberg1020]

@@alfonsogayman9699 that does make more sense there. His role in cherry was kinda minor but amazing none the less!!!

[@coolstorybro6076]

I hope Grandma brings fresh baked Ziti to the premiere!

[@samanthab1923]

Good one! 😂 still one of the best lines in the show.

[@niawhittley5681]

He has very kind eyes. And the exact same smile like his dad, it's crazy! Very good looking young man too. We are rooting for you, Mikey!! 😍 side bar: Jones Berthal looks amazing as well 🔥🔥🔥🔥🙌🏾

[@megandunklin6147]

He reminds me so much of James. And that’s the thing us Sopranos fans will hold on to so much 🥲

[@amberkubli3139]

Agree 100%

[@the_glitter_is]

They even have the same slight lisp. I'm into it.

[@benkeel2966]

Michael is everything an actor wants to be. If he stays himself, he will be HUGE!!!

[@ClamSword]

He definitely has the makings of a varsity athlete

[@Jon92254]

@@ClamSword HA!

[@gusgodoy9745]

So a guy name Micheal wants to make his father proud wait where I heard that before....

[@cepokski]

yooo 😩

[@adrianneattardo4150]

Just love this young actor, Michael Gandolfini. I hope he makes it BIG.

[@betonthis1]

I genuinely love the show and James and I feel like I’m going to have goosebump and tears watching this film. I can’t wait

[@brandiwhitlock7603]

Michael is so cute and Humble ❤️

[@lexy4983]

That's James Gandolfinis son! This is perfect ❤❤

[@TheOneWhoLaughs101]

Can't wait to see Michael's performance of Tony and Bernthal is awesome of always, I want him back as Frank Castle

[@TangerineFriday]

He does so much great work all over the place, but he was born to be Frank Castle. He'll be Frank to me forever!

[@Rizzle2323]

Anyone here watch the talking sopranos podcast with Steve Schrippa and Michael Imperioli? If not you've been missing out.

[@sturgeon2888]

Podcast? It's a glorified AM radio channel

[@HBKANDREYROCKS]

@@sturgeon2888 how so?

[@mikelane2866]

@@HBKANDREYROCKS you missed the joke.

[@Rizzle2323]

@@sturgeon2888 a pygmy thing?🤣

[@HBKANDREYROCKS]

@@mikelane2866 Ohh right, the glorified crew joke. I haven’t been on Sopranos videos in a while so I forgot the recurring inside jokes in every comment section.

[@WuhSuhDood]

This made me cry. Michael Gandolfini is very stoic and only 22 years old. Can't wait to see this movie

[@Jman417]

God bless you and your family micheal Gandolfini. Hopefully, you get nominated for an Oscar. I loved your father's proformance in the sopranos.

[@AA-qb7ni]

I think Michael will be great in the role!! He seems like a really good guy.

[@Yungbeck]

This is my first time seeing him out of character and I got pretty emotional. Reminds me of Jim.

[@youwebz]

“Jim” Yep ok champ….

[@hermisadventures8142]

What a gorgeous young man, inside, outside, in the mind, in spirit, my god Michael, your Dad is beyond proud of you.

[@laurenw.8178]

*you can tell just how much Michael wants to honor his father, but at the same time branch out and be his own actor too.* ❤️

[@anthonyarcanumsanctumregnu9551]

It's amazing how much He looks like His dad, He was so young when He died in happy He gets to Honor Him like this.

[@timpower4922]

Really thoughtful kid. I’m hoping he has a great career. Good for him.

[@MATA-mz1db]

What I loved most about james was his smile it’s like a little baby smille I miss the legend and I loved how Jon get along with michael the two are brilliant and are my favourite actors

[@mione134]

I really hope everyone loves this so they can give us a series after this. We need.

[@MrEbeet]

i am soooooo excited for this movie. what a wonderful and grounded young man. and no one is cooler than John Bernthal. Love that guy. Love how nice he is to Michael.

[@tr3louis]

His pops would so proud of him!

[@dannieRivers003]

He definitely played young Tony amazingly! He has his father's eyes and smile 🥰 james is definitely looking down proud of his boy!

[@paulbaker9434]

I really hope this is the start of all sorts of sopranos spin offs and I hope Michael goes from strength to strength.big Jimmy will be one proud man

[@michaeltonner7768]

I hope so too, what a monster actor his father was.

[@paulbaker9434]

@@michaeltonner7768 he was dynamite.on one hand I hope Michael does be a big star but on the other we all know what fame done to his father.there must be a middle ground and I hope he gets protected

[@thepinkpollyanna766]

Everybody who’s anybody who watch the whole series from the beginning to the end, will be watching it with baited breath on October 1st!!! CANNOT WAIT!!! LOL…👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@frankiecicero9746]

Good interview

[@doberman1ism]

Wonderful young man. Michael fits right into his father’s shoes. Looking forward to seeing the beginning.

[@libbysworld7649]

I just love everything about this project and cannot wait to watch it!

[@HellMongrel]

Best interview I’ve seen so far actual enthusiasm for this movie true fans are ready for this movie no matter that story

[@filedroid]

What a wonderful young man. I wish the best of success and hope to see more!

[@sharpshottaproductions6268]

I hope they spin this into a series afterwards… looks like the actors all did an excellent job just as the original

[@HeWhoRemaiins]

I want this to happen so bad....

[@dimplesp4046]

I cannot WAIT!!! I am hyped for this

[@jedikiahmusic]

I LOVE that clip they showed. “This thing…”.

[@SVTJD]

The bravery, it’s beautiful to see him hold hands side by side with his dad. James is a proud dad

[@connectivewhispersbymonica2808]

Yayyyyyy!!!! This is so Exciting!!! Love Jon Berenthal ❤️❤️❤️. Mike Gandofini looks just like his dad! Can’t wait to see this!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@dionehackworth1767]

Just gotta love Michael!

[@gloriaoc2185]

He seems so humble

[@HaighyGamingHD]

Just seen the movie, his father would have been so proud at the job he did, was so much like Tony 👍🏻

[@freddybeer]

@Johnny Caruthers - What are you talking about? It was released theatrically in the UK today. The premiere in the states was today. It's released nationwide on October 1st.

[@freddybeer]

@Johnny Caruthers - My best friend went to see it TODAY in the UK. (He loved it!)

[@AverageGiuseppe02]

@Johnny Caruthers nah it releases October 1st

[@tywillofficial_]

@Johnny Caruthers It released today in the UK and comes out on the 1st October in the US

[@jacobtoledo3802]

@Johnny Caruthers yes

[@willienelsongonzalez4609]

What a great cast to act alongside for a your first feature film. Glad to hear to that people like Jon Bernthal were happy to be there for Michael!

[@bobbyscalchi4013]

Michael has his own personality and features but where Michael especially communicates his father James is in his eyes and his mannerisms! ITS SO UNCANNY!

[@anthonyelwick3600]

I love that they’ve started using that song with the new people. He was in oceans 8 it's not his first movie

[@MaverickIceman]

To be fair, it was ocean's 8. You can forgive people for thinking this is his first movie.

[@benkeel2966]

Michael Gandolfini ALREADY makes Deniro look like a high schooler

[@michaeltonner7768]

The kid has more class the deniro

[@Gemmarose9012]

Come on.

[@MrEbeet]

let's not go there. you can't compare him to DeNiro. you cant even compare most established actors to Bobby. Look at the breadth of his career. I think Michael will be great in this. but with only a couple movies under his belt, you're stacking him up to Bobby D???? over 100 movies??? A high schooler?? More class? Please.

[@bigt4135]

His father would be so proud.

[@kerriecarr6819]

The most brilliant show that was ever was created!!! I am so grateful that Michael Gandolfini, took this script and David Chase, for making this movie for all of the Soprano Fans!!! It's a gift that I can't wait to watch!

[@mrblonde609]

First thing in the clip: "OOOOOOOOOOH!" I'm sold.

[@bortsampson4160]

I guess tony must be in 8th grade with that jacket. He never had the makings of a varsity athlete

[@adampierannunzio1827]

That's not true. He lettered in football.

[@bortsampson4160]

@@adampierannunzio1827 small hands. That was his problem.

[@PopeLoftisss]

@@bortsampson4160 that’s not true, you’ve said that for years

[@samanthab1923]

He's a liar. Got expelled & had the dreaded tiny hands.

[@bluecomet1109]

These two have the makings of varsity actors

[@meg2231]

I like that they pointed out how much it must've taken for him to fully throw himself into that part. I mean what a challenge, so awesome. ❤

[@kdizzle901]

I don’t blame Michael for not wanting to see his dad in vulnerable positions he had just died and Michael was still only a teenager especially getting shot I’m sure season 6 episode 2 and 3 were the hardest…..

[@mr.tandhiswaytobe8023]

I have never been more excited for a prequel ever before in my life ….LIKE EVER!!!!!

[@dafcorleone]

Sopranos is my all time fav show,cant wait for this film

[@LloydWaldo]

Michael has such an incredible opportunity in his life, not only to follow his father, but to experience his father’s masterwork from the inside out. I mean, I know Tony isn’t his dad, but there’s virtually nothing closer to having your father back than to step into his role after experiencing his work as an adult. It makes me wonder what it would be like to know my father now that I’m a man. I never knew him as a father, when I was a father.

[@isaiasreynajr.2432]

Michael is an extremely strong 💪🏼 young man!

[@upurkilt7246]

Michael is an amazing actor in his own right and has portraid the character of tony just as well as his dad done, james would be proud of the man Michael has become.... ✌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@itsAurora-zq8cb]

Ur username ,love it 😅

[@bighands69]

It was an excellent film that was well crafted and the performances were solid.

[@scottketchie5703]

I'm proud of Michael, I love the Sopranos, he did everything his dad did in the series. The emotions, the situation, the gangster. The son has truly become the father. And the father truly became the son.

[@mcrowley8460]

Looking straight into Gandolfini future-past.

[@Murrh]

Can't wait! Such a fan of the show and his late Father.

[@tonithenightowl1836]

First time I saw James G. was the movie True Love ...he scared the bejesus out of me lol Talk about someone who could be a sweetie pie and vicious .. convincingly. I'm thrilled Michael got the part and I don't think ANYONE could do it better from the previews I've seen. David Chase knows what he's doing. This movie will be great.

[@YNDog]

I hope they make it a series

[@red.5475]

John Bernthal's Johnny Soprano character looks just like a young Sonny Franzese.

[@lewispalen6530]

Can't wait !!!

[@vexxlnc430]

I’m really looking forward to this movie and I hope it sparks another series with the younger cast.

[@lauraduncan2125]

Just finished watching the movie... Wow!!

[@guitarest452452]

It was a great movie! James would be so proud and I love John! Hope there's a part 2.

[@challism]

A great movie? Really? Did we see the same movie? You are pretty easy to impress.

[@adavis5926]

I've been rewatching the series (must be my 5th time) in anticipation of the movie. Hope it's good!

[@thomashannan3006]

I’m on my 3rd time