Many late DiMeo family members are elegised over in The Sopranos, but no one’s legacy had as big an impact on the show as Richard 'Dickey' Moltisanti.
As Tony Soprano’s beloved late cousin, his death was the driving force behind the boss’ paternalistic dedication to Dickey’s son, Christopher, whose struggles with addiction proved a ever-present problem for the mob.
He never featured in the show’s run, but he could be a major player in David Chase’s upcoming prequel film, The Many Saints of Newark. According to Variety, American Hustle actor Alessandro Nivola has just been cast as the infamous Sopranos crime figure.
The show will likely follow Dickey’s relationship with a young Tony after his father, Johnny Boy Soprano, is arrested and put behind bars. In the original series it’s revealed that Dickie falls in love with his own father’s young new wife, so that could also feature.
The prequel film will be written by David Chase and Sopranos veteran Lawrence Konner, who also wrote on Boardwalk Empire. Directing duties, however, have been handed to Game of Thrones’ Alan Taylor.
Nick Pope is the Site Director of Esquire, overseeing digital strategy for the brand.
