Entertainment Movies Michael Gandolfini, 19, Looks Just Like Late Dad James While Filming 'Sopranos' Prequel Movie James Gandolfini died of a heart attack in 2013 at the age of 51 By Ale Russian Ale Russian Ale Russian is a contributing writer at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2023. Her work has appeared in Women's World, First For Women, Biography.com and the Chicago Sun-Times. People Editorial Guidelines Published on April 15, 2019 01:16PM EDT Michael Gandolfini is following in his famous dad’s footsteps. The young actor was spotted on set of the Sopranos prequel movie, titled The Many Saints of Newark, looking just like his father, the late James Gandolfini. Gandolfini, 19, is starring in the movie as a young Tony Soprano, taking over the iconic role from James, who’s best known for playing the mob boss. The Sopranos Prequel Movie Has a Title — and a Release Date! The prequel, which will feature younger versions of the fan-favorite characters, is set in the 1960s in Newark when the riots between Italian-Americans and African-Americans were at an all-time high. The movie is set to hit theaters on Sept. 25, 2020. The Sopranos followed the life of Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mob boss as he dealt with personal and professional issues in his home and business. It ran for six seasons before ending in 2007. Bauer-Griffin; HBO/Courtesy Everett Collection The role scored James one Golden Globe Award, three SAG awards and three Emmys. He died of a heart attack in 2013 at the age of 51. “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 and Deadline after his casting was announced. “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 of the series creator. The Many Saints of Newark will hit theaters on Sept. 25, 2020,