The Many Saints of Newark 2021
"Who made Tony Soprano?"
Set against the backdrop of 1960s and 1970s Newark, *The Many Saints of Newark (2021)* dives deep into the volatile underworld that shaped one of TV's most complex antiheroes.
Director: Alan Taylor
Cast
Alessandro Nivola
Dickie Moltisanti
Leslie Odom Jr.
Harold McBrayer
Michael Gandolfini
Teenage Tony Soprano
Ray Liotta
"Hollywood Dick" Moltisanti / Salvatore “Sally” Moltisanti
Michela De Rossi
Giuseppina Moltisanti
Vera Farmiga
Livia Soprano
Corey Stoll
Junior Soprano
Jon Bernthal
Johnny Soprano
Billy Magnussen
Paulie Walnuts
John Magaro
Silvio Dante
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Many Saints of Newark (2021) about?
The film follows young Anthony Soprano as he grows up in 1960s Newark, a city torn apart by crime and social upheaval. His uncle, Dickie Moltisanti, becomes his mentor, shaping him into the man who will one day lead the DiMeo crime family. The story explores how ambition, loyalty, and violence intertwine in the making of a future mob legend.
Who directed The Many Saints of Newark?
Alan Taylor, known for his work on *Game of Thrones* and *Thor: The Dark World*, directs this gritty crime drama.
Who stars in The Many Saints of Newark?
The film features Alessandro Nivola, Leslie Odom Jr., Michael Gandolfini, Ray Liotta, and Vera Farmiga in key roles.
Is The Many Saints of Newark (2021) worth watching?
As a prequel to *The Sopranos*, it offers rich world-building and compelling performances, especially from Nivola and Gandolfini. While not flawless, its nostalgic tone and deep dive into mob lore make it a solid pick for fans of crime dramas and series lore.
How long is The Many Saints of Newark?
The runtime is 120 minutes (2 hours).
🎥 Trailer
About The Many Saints of Newark (2021) — Newark's mob origins and the making of Tony Soprano
Set against the backdrop of 1960s and 1970s Newark, *The Many Saints of Newark (2021)* dives deep into the volatile underworld that shaped one of TV's most complex antiheroes. Directed by Alan Taylor, this crime drama explores the rise of the DiMeo crime family through the eyes of a young Anthony Soprano, whose future as a mob boss is forged by the chaotic era and the shadow of his uncle, Dickie Moltisanti. With a gripping atmosphere of political unrest and familial loyalty, the film weaves together personal drama and brutal gangster politics, offering a fresh lens on the origins of a legendary character.
The story unfolds during a time when Newark's streets were a powder keg, where rival factions threatened to topple the old guard. Alessandro Nivola shines as Dickie, while Michael Gandolfini delivers a standout performance as the teenage Tony Soprano, capturing the raw intensity of a young man on the cusp of greatness—and ruin. The film blends sharp character study with the gritty authenticity of its setting, making it a must-watch for fans of mob sagas and period dramas alike.
