In some cases, when actors deliver an iconic performance in a certain role, it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing the part. James Gandolfini’s performance as Tony Soprano is no different. Often considered one of the best TV shows of all time, The Sopranos still remains the best gangster drama to be put on the small screen, and a major reason behind it is the late actor’s performance.
Sylvester Stallone shared a similar viewpoint when reflecting on the show and had no hesitation taking shots at Gandolfini’s son, who played a young Tony Soprano in the 2021 prequel.
Sylvester Stallone Wasn’t a Fan of James Gandolfini’s Son Playing Tony Soprano
Fifteen years after The Sopranos concluded, Sylvester Stallone got the opportunity to star in his own gangster show, Tulsa King, which was a dream come true for the Rocky Star. Considering the actor has always been fond of the genre, before the premiere of the Taylor Sheridan show back in 2022, Stallone detailed his love for the universally acclaimed The Sopranos.
The Oscar-nominated star stressed that James Gandolfini was born to play the Italian-American mafia, stating “I will never buy another actor in that role”. Stallone echoed a similar response when asked about The Sopranos star’s son Michael Gandolfini, who played a younger Tony Soprano in the prequel The Many Saints of Newark, stressing “It’s just not going to work”.
Sopranos is the perfect [instance of] man meeting material. James Gandolfini was born to play that. It was flawless. No one in the world could do it better. Every now and then you see that. You go, ‘I will never buy another actor in that role.’… His son? It’s just not going to work
Even though Michael Gandolfini surpasses fans’ expectations with his take on the character, it’s safe to say Stallone is right when he says no one can do it better than the late James Gandolfini.
