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The Sopranos creator David Chase worried James Gandolfini wasn't 'threatening enough' to play Tony Soprano

'The Sopranos' creator David Chase recalls his reaction to James Gandolfini being considered for the role of Tony Soprano: 'Is he threatening enough?'

Chase, who created the award-winning show about a New Jersey mobster battling personal and professional issues, wasn't initially sold on Gandolfini in the lead role. An excerpt from Jason Bailey’s new book Gandolfini: Jim, Tony, and the Life of a Legend, published by Vulture and reviewed by Entertainment Weekly, recounts the casting process for the coveted part and delves into Chase's reservations. Soon, the contenders for Tony Soprano were whittled down to three actors: Gandolfini, Mike Rispoli, and Steven Van Zandt (who would eventually land a different role on the show).

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