The Mary Saints of Newark: Ray Liotta in talks to join cast of Sopranos prequel film

Liotta was series creator David Chase's original choice to play Tony Soprano

Ray Liotta has entered talks to join the cast of The Sopranos prequel, The Many Saints Of Newark.

The Goodfellas actor was initially series creator David Chase’s preferred choice to play Tony Soprano, a role that eventually went to the late James Gandolfini.

Although not confirmed to be part of director Alan Taylor’s cast, Liotta said: ”I am thrilled to be working with David Chase and Alan Taylor on The Many Saints of Newark.

“David’s talent is unmatched and the directing of Alan Taylor makes this even more exciting. I respect them both immensely and look forward to making this special project with New Line.”

A representative for Liotta said the casting was still under negotiation.

Liotta looks set to join an already star-studded cast, with Alessandro Nivola, Vera Farmiga, Jon Bernthal, Billy Magnussen, Corey Stoll, and Gandolfini’s son, Michael, already on board the project.

The Many Saints Of Newark is set during the city’s race riots of the 1960s, which saw African Americans and Italian Americans clash.

Liotta, whose portrayal of Henry Hill in Goodfellas is widely regarded as a classic of the genre, grew up in 1960s Newark.

No release date for The Many Saints Of Newark has been announced. Find out everything we know so far about the prequel film here.