Ray Liotta in Talks to Join Sopranos Movie The Many Saints of Newark

As far back as we can remember, we always wanted Ray Liotta to join the cast of The Sopranos. And as it turns out, he’s gotten very close a few times before. Liotta says he was offered the role of Tony in the original HBO series, but turned it down to focus on films. Later, he was considered for the role of Ralph Cifaretto before it went to Joe Pantoliano. But now, it looks like he’ll finally become a part of the legendary crime show’s family.

Liotta is in talks to join The Many Saints of Newark, David Chase and Lawrence Konner’s Sopranos prequel film. Series regular Alan Taylor will direct the ‘60s-set film for New Line.

Liotta joins Alessandro Nivola, Vera Farmiga, Jon Bernthal, Corey Stoll, Billy Magnussen and Michael Gandolfini, who will follow his father’s footsteps in playing the role of a young Tony Soprano. The film that will give a look at the foundations of many characters central to the original HBO series.

“I am thrilled to be working with David Chase and Alan Taylor on The Many Saints of Newark,” Liotta told Deadline. “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.”

Liotta’s place in mob-movie history has long been cemented by his role of Henry Hill in Goodfellas, but perhaps this film will be personal: Liotta grew up in the ‘60s in Newark himself. His addition to the bill also makes him the 27th Goodfellas cast member to appear in the Sopranos universe.

Explore everything else we know about The Many Saints of Newark so far here.