Meanwhile, Gandolfini had his own concerns: “Oh, for f—’s sake.
This guy wants to eat breakfast?
This guy’s going to be a pain in the ass.”
James Gandolfini starred on ‘The Sopranos’ mob drama from HBO.Credit:Anthony Neste/Getty
But that didn’t stopDavid Chasefrom trying.
She knew instantly that he was perfect for the role.
“I went, ‘Oh my God, I think I have Tony Soprano, she recalled.
James Gandolfini in ‘The Sopranos’.HBO/Courtesy Everett Collection
But after watching Gandolfini’s reel, Chase was hesitant: Heres the deal, he told her.
I think hes brilliant.
I have one concern, and that is, is he threatening enough?”
This is your guy.
For his part, Gandolfini doubted that he would land the role, though he loved the script.
“‘Theyll hire some f—ing pretty boy.
His more pressing concern, however, was that Chase would be unpleasant to work with.
“At the time, I was younger, the actor explained in the book.
This guy wants to eat breakfast?
James Gandolfini and David Chase in 2007.Evan Agostini/Getty
This guys going to be a pain in the ass.'”
But the meeting itself was a pleasure.
As Gandolfini recalled, “We spent most of the time laughing about our mothers and our families.”
It didn’t take long before Chase saw the light.
Ironically, it was the actor who now had reservations about committing to the role.
“Why am I doing this?
I came to you to do f—ing movies, he complained to Sanders.
“And now Im doing an HBO series?
I dont even know what the web connection is!”
She assured him, “Jim, listen to me.
I promise you: This is worth doing.
Its not going to change the world, but its going to change TV.
F— it.”
The Sopranoswent on to kick off a golden age of television.
Gandolfini: Jim, Tony, and the Life of a Legendhits shelves on Tuesday, April 29.
