James Gandolfini’s Son Looks Just Like Him in Soprano’s Prequel Film

Many sons walk in their fathers’ footsteps in some way or another throughout their lifetime, but not many get to actually be their fathers.
Michael Gandolfini, 19, is starring in the Sopranos prequel film, The Many Saints of Newark, as a young Tony Soprano and has been spotted on set looking nearly identical to his old man. . . albeit with slightly more hair, of course.

The feature takes place in the 1960s and will feature many younger versions of characters from the hit show as they navigate the tumultuous time in Newark when the riots between Italian-Americans and African-Americans were at an all-time high.
“It’s a profound honor to continue my dad’s legacy while stepping into the shoes of a young Tony Soprano,” Michael said in a statement obtained by Variety after he was cast for the role.
“I’m thrilled that I am going to have the opportunity to work with David Chase and the incredible company of talent he has assembled,” Michael added, regarding the series creator.
James Gandolfini, who died of a heart attack in 2013 at the age of 51, played the iconic New Jersey mob boss for six seasons until the show’s dramatic finale in 2007, but we’re sure he’d love to see his son take over in this special tribute.
In the interview below with People, Steve Schirripa (aka, Bobby ‘Bacala’ Baccalieri from original series) explained how excited he is to see Michael carry on the proverbial torch as the infamous Soprano patriarch.