Alan Taylor has closed a deal to direct “The Many Saints Of Newark” for New Line, a feature film script written by David Chase that will serve as a prequel to his iconic TV series, “The Sopranos,” TheWrap has exclusively learned.
Taylor won the 2007 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for “The Sopranos” sixth season episode “Kennedy and Heidi,” and directed episodes of “The Sopranos” in four of the show’s six seasons.
The film takes place in the 1960s, when riots swept through Newark, New Jersey and conflicts between African-American and Italian residents were at their worst. Several characters from the “Sopranos” are expected to appear in the film, though New Line would not disclose further plot details.
Lawrence Konner, who worked on “The Sopranos” with Chase, is listed as co-writer for the project. Chase will also produce the film and be involved in selecting the director. Chase Films’ Nicole Lambert will serve as executive producer. New Line is the production company.
“The Sopranos” is widely regarded as one of the greatest TV series ever made, winning 21 Emmys from 111 nominations during its eight-year run from 1999-2007. It was nominated for Outstanding Drama Series in every year it was eligible, becoming the first cable network show to win the award in 2004 and then winning again for its final season in 2007.
Taylor’s other credits include “Game of Thrones,” “Mad Men,” “Boardwalk Empire,” and most recently “Electric Dreams.” On the feature side he directed “Thor: The Dark World” and “Terminator Genisys.”
Taylor is repped by UTA.
James Gandolfini's Most Memorable Roles (Photos)
"The Sopranos"
Though Tony Soprano wasn't Gandolfini's first role, it certainly catapulted him into the national consciousness; he forced audiences to find the good in a guy who did bad, bad things, whether they wanted to sympathize with him or not.
"Killing Them Softly"
In the 2012 crime thriller "Killing Them Softly," Gandolfini played New York hitman Mickey Fallon.
"In the Loop"
Though often cast as anti-authority characters, the satirical black comedy "In the Loop" found him playing Lieutenant General Miller, senior military assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Defense.
"The Mexican"
Gandolfini starred alongside Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts in "The Mexican," about the pursuit of an antique gun.
"Get Shorty"
Gandolfini was among the heavy-duty cast of the 1995 crime caper "Get Shorty," starring alongside John Travolta, Gene Hackman and Danny DeVito.
"The Incredible Burt Wonderstone"
"The Incredible Burt Wonderstone," released earlier this year, found Gandolfini working his comedic chops.
"Crimson Tide"
The submarine thriller "Crimson Tide" found Gandolfini acting alongside Hackman again, as Lt. Bobby Dougherty.
"The Man Who Wasn't There"
The Coen Brothers film "The Man Who Wasn't There" paired Gandolfini with Billy Bob Thornton and Frances McDormand.
"The Last Castle"
Gandolfini once again played an authority figure in "The Last Castle," as a prison commandant.
"Zero Dark Thirty"
Tony Soprano, CIA Director? "Zero Dark Thirty" found Gandolfini as a head of the spy agency in the 2012 film about the hunt for Osama bin Laden.
1 of 10
James Gandolfiini was best known for playing gruff but likeable mob figure Tony Soprano on "The Sopranos," but he was more than just a wiseguy with a surprisingly cuddly interior
"The Sopranos"
Though Tony Soprano wasn't Gandolfini's first role, it certainly catapulted him into the national consciousness; he forced audiences to find the good in a guy who did bad, bad things, whether they wanted to sympathize with him or not.
