James Gandolfini almost lost the role, not ‘threatening’

If things had gone differently, it could have been someone else who led the cast of ‘the sopranos’. But luckily series -maker David Chase did not stay with his hasty first reaction on James Gandolfini.

In a fragment from Jason Bailey’s book “Gandolfini: Jim, Tony and The Life of A Legend” (Via Vulture), Chase was worried that Gandolfini was not ‘threatening enough’ before he eventually threw him in the career-definating role.

During the development of the show, Gandolfini’s manager, Nancy Sanders, said to Chase: “I think I have Tony Soprano.” Chase was not immediately convinced.

“Okay, here is the deal,” Chase told Sanders after watching the reel of Gandolfini. “I think he is brilliant. I have one concern, and that is, does he threaten enough?”

Sanders came up for her client and quickly got worries of Chase, “if you said to me:” He is a bit chubby “or” he loses his hair, “I could understand it. But he threatens enough. This is your husband.”

“The Sopranos” casting directors, Sheila Jaffe and Georgianne Walken, repeated the enthusiasm of Sanders. They remembered that Gandolfini ‘was really our favorite idea from the start’.

Gandolfini himself had no confidence that he would get the role of Tony Soprano. He remembered in the fragment: “I think my exact words were:” I could put this guy straight in the ass, but I will never be cast. They will hire a damn beautiful boy. ” I thought they would hire, you know, one of these Irish -looking guys who are now on TV.

He was also worried that Chase would be “a pain in the ass” to work with. However, after the couple met for breakfast, all worries melted away.

“When he finally settled and really did a lecture, it was just clear,” said Chase.

“The Sopranos” is currently streaming at Max.