Michael Imperioli, best known for his role as Christopher Moltisanti in The Sopranos, has made his way back to New Jersey to film scenes for his latest movie project, Song Sung Blue. Fans of Imperioli will be excited to see him back in his home state, where he spent years filming the iconic HBO series. This time, however, he’s working on something entirely different: a musical drama starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, based on a true story.
In this article, we’ll dive into the details of Imperioli’s return to New Jersey, the film he’s working on, and what it means for Paterson, New Jersey, which has become a popular location for big studio films in recent years.
Michael Imperioli: Back to Where It All Began
New Jersey has a special place in Michael Imperioli’s heart, as it was here where he brought to life one of the most memorable characters in television history—Christopher Moltisanti on The Sopranos. Christopher was the troubled, ambitious young mobster whose fate played a significant role in the show’s exploration of family, power, and loyalty.
For years, The Sopranos filmed across various New Jersey locations, and now, years after the show’s conclusion, Imperioli is once again back on set in the Garden State. This time, however, it’s for a very different kind of project: Song Sung Blue, a musical drama that promises a change of pace from his past mobster roles.
Filming for Song Sung Blue is currently underway in Paterson, New Jersey, where the actor has been spotted filming scenes. In a fun nod to his previous gangster roles, Paterson’s Mayor Andre Sayegh posted a photo with Imperioli, calling out his famous character “Spider” from Goodfellas. Sayegh expressed his excitement to have Imperioli in the city, calling Paterson “Hollywood East.” It’s clear that Imperioli’s presence in Paterson is a big deal, and the city has become a go-to location for high-profile films.
Song Sung Blue: A Musical Drama with a Star-Studded Cast
Song Sung Blue is a musical movie that’s already generating buzz, thanks to its high-profile cast and unique premise. The film stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson as Mike and Claire Sardina, a couple who perform as a tribute band. The pair take on the personas of Neil Diamond and Patsy Cline in their act, Lightning & Thunder. The movie is based on a true story, specifically the 2008 documentary Song Sung Blue by Greg Kohs, which follows the real-life couple who made a name for themselves with their tribute performances.
The musical nature of the film marks a stark departure from Imperioli’s previous work in gangster dramas like The Sopranos and Goodfellas. Here, he takes on a different kind of role, potentially offering a more complex, nuanced performance that could showcase a new side of his acting chops.
The movie is directed by Craig Brewer, known for his work on Dolemite is My Name, Coming 2 America, and Hustle & Flow. Brewer’s directorial style is known for blending humor and emotion, and it’ll be interesting to see how he tackles this musical drama based on such an intimate and heartfelt story.
In addition to Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, and Michael Imperioli, the film also features a strong supporting cast, including Jim Belushi, Fisher Stevens, Ella Anderson, Mustafa Shakir, King Princess, and Hudson Hilbert Hensley. With such a talented ensemble, Song Sung Blue is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of the year.
Paterson: The New Hub for Big Studio Films
For fans of Hollywood movies and New Jersey locals alike, the city of Paterson has become an unexpected hotspot for big-budget productions. In recent years, the city has hosted filming for several high-profile films, including Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021), Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman (2019), and the Sopranos prequel film The Many Saints of Newark (2021). Even James Mangold’s upcoming Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet, has filmed in Paterson.
Paterson’s popularity as a filming location has earned it the nickname “Hollywood East” from local officials. The city’s unique blend of industrial architecture, historic landmarks, and urban atmosphere makes it an ideal backdrop for filmmakers looking for an authentic, gritty setting. It’s no wonder that Song Sung Blue chose Paterson as one of its filming locations. In fact, Imperioli’s return to the city for this project highlights just how integral New Jersey is to the entertainment industry, particularly for those with ties to The Sopranos.
The presence of big-name productions in Paterson has not only brought recognition to the city but also boosted its local economy. Film productions often bring jobs, tourism, and attention to areas that might otherwise be overlooked by Hollywood. The success of these films could lead to even more opportunities for Paterson and the surrounding areas to host major productions in the future.
Why Michael Imperioli’s Return to New Jersey is Significant
For those who grew up watching The Sopranos, seeing Michael Imperioli return to New Jersey brings a sense of nostalgia. The actor was synonymous with the state’s cultural identity in the early 2000s, and his return to the area now, years after The Sopranos ended, reminds us of how much the show impacted both television and the local landscape.
Though Imperioli’s role in Song Sung Blue may be different from his past work, his involvement in the film proves that he’s still a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. The transition from playing a mobster to taking on a more musical role shows that Imperioli isn’t afraid to step out of his comfort zone and challenge himself with new kinds of characters. This is likely to excite his fans, who have come to love his ability to bring depth to even the most morally complicated characters.
The fact that Imperioli is filming in New Jersey again also brings attention to the importance of local talent. New Jersey has long been home to talented actors, directors, and writers, and its status as a filming location for major films helps foster a creative ecosystem that benefits both local and international talent. It’s always exciting when beloved actors like Imperioli return to their roots, and it gives fans a deeper connection to the projects they’re working on.
