Sopranos Stars Unite in Netflix’s ‘Nonnas’: A Heartwarming True Story of Food, Family, and Comfort!

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Experience very few sensations in life that are as delightful, cozy, and soothing as a grandmother’s embrace. Although The Sopranos doesn’t evoke such inviting feelings, three main characters from this famous HBO mafia series lead the cast of Nonnas, a fresh and family-friendly Netflix comedy premiering on May 9, 2025.

Alongside Vince Vaughn from HBO’s True Detective, Nonna’s cast includes stars from The Sopranos such as Lorraine Bracco, Drea De Matteo, and Michael Rispoli. The plot revolves around an Italian family gathering to celebrate life through the power of food, a universal healer. With actresses like Susan Sarandon, Talia Shire, and Linda Cardellini also joining the cast, Nonna’s can be likened to a comforting bowl of nourishment that glides smoothly down, warming hearts with its optimistic outlook and revitalizing spirit.

‘Nonnas’ Is Based on a True Story

Starting May 9, 2025, on Netflix, you can enjoy the family-friendly PG comedy titled “Nonnas,” inspired by the true story of Jody Scaravella, proprietor of the authentic Staten Island eatery Enoteca Maria. This new production is directed by Stephen Chbosky, famous for “The Perks of Being a Wallflower.” The narrative revolves around Joe Scaravella (portrayed by Vaughn), an Italian-American whose world crumbles after his mother’s demise. To preserve his mother’s memory, Joe utilizes insurance funds to open the Italian restaurant she had always dreamed of, employing local elderly Italian women (Nonnas) as chefs.

To launch the restaurant successfully, Joe employs four skilled grandmothers as chefs: Roberta (Bracco) from one city, Antonella (Vaccaro) from another, Teresa (Shire), a former nun, and Gia (Sarandon). Each brings unique regional Italian recipes and family culinary traditions to the establishment.

Besides his family members known as the Nonnas, Joe also confides in his close friend Bruno (Joe Manganiello), his wife Stella (Matteo), and an old high school crush Olivia (Cardellini) for assistance in launching Enoteca Maria and drawing in new customers. Navigating the financial and operational challenges of starting a restaurant, Nonnas symbolizes the therapeutic influence of family and food, contributing to the vibrant Italian gastronomic scene. Undeniably, followers of The Sopranos are well-acquainted with the significant role that food plays in their lives.

How ‘Nonnas’ Connects to ‘The Sopranos’

In various aspects, the character of “Nonna” is connected to “The Sopranos.” This connection starts with its talented ensemble cast. Lorraine Bracco, who portrayed Tony Soprano’s psychologist, Jennifer Melfi, played a crucial role in exploring Tony’s panic attacks and psychological struggles. On the other hand, Aida Turturro, who took on the role of Christopher Moltisanti’s drug-dependent girlfriend, Adriana La Cerva, delivered one of the most unforgettable deaths within “The Sopranos.” Karen Giordano, who plays Joe’s grandmother in this series, appeared as Samantha Martin in a single episode of “The Sopranos” back in 2000.

In addition to Michael Rispoli, who was almost cast as Tony Soprano but instead appeared as Jackie Aprile in the groundbreaking HBO series, “Nonna’s” also features actors with connections to “The Sopranos.” Less known links include Jimmy Samgula, who portrayed Wise Guy #1, now appearing as Mr. Pionconne. Antoinette LaVecchia and David Borella, previously playing Paula Salerno and Roberto in “The Sopranos,” contribute additional voices to “Nonna’s.

In addition to sharing a common cast with some popular shows, the filming location for “Nonnas” is New Jersey, known as the hometown of “The Sopranos”. As per reports, “Nonnas” was filmed in various cities within New Jersey, including Bayonne, Edison, Elizabeth, Hoboken, Jersey City, Linden, and Paterson. An interesting tidbit for fans of “The Sopranos”: the filming of “Nonnas” took place at the well-known New Jersey restaurant Spiritos, which the producers of “The Sopranos” had hoped to use for Artie Bucco’s Nuovo Vesuvio restaurant in the series. However, permission was only granted once the restaurant had closed; while it was still open, “The Sopranos” crew were unable to secure access.

‘Nonnas’ Explores the Healing Benefits of Family and Food

Discussing Italian eateries and food’s therapeutic qualities, it’s tough not to bring up Campbell Scott’s role in the series “Nonnas.” In “Nonnas,” Scott portrays Edward Durant, reminding us of his impressive work as a co-director for the 1996 movie “Big Night.” This film, set in New Jersey during the 1950s, features Primo (Tony Shalhoub) and Secondo (Stanley Tucci), two gifted Italian chefs who open their restaurant on its first night.

In addition to featuring Isabella Rossellini, Allison Janney, Liev Schreber, Minnie Driver, Ian Holm, and Marc Antony, the movie Big Night is a must-watch for its outstanding qualities. Moreover, it underscores a potent theme shared in The Sopranos and Nonnas: Food serves as the powerful force that unites us, providing both physical sustenance and emotional healing.

Reflect on Martin Scorsese’s iconic movie, “Goodfellas”, which interestingly features 27 actors who also appeared in “The Sopranos”. Food plays a significant role in bonding families together in this series. Whether it’s the clandestine smuggling of fine wine, cheese, and meat within prison walls, or Henry laboriously preparing his tomato sauce all day, or the shared meals between Jimmy, Henry, and Tommy while Billy Bats is hidden in their vehicle just a few feet away, food holds a special significance. In Italian culture, cuisine is often considered a crucial aspect, be it for celebrating weddings or marking life after death, very few elements carry as much importance.

If you appreciate Italian crime dramas and food films, you might find the overlooked 2000 film “Dinner Rush” captivating. This movie, featuring Danny Aiello and Edoardo Ballerini (known for his role as Corky Caporale in “The Sopranos”), portrays a tumultuous day in an Italian chef’s life, where various shady characters with their own motivations gather. While it lacks the comforting vibe of typical Italian family movies, it’s a must-watch for fans of “Goodfellas”, “Big Night”, and “The Sopranos”.

Speaking of Tony Soprano, the central figure in HBO’s mob drama series, food plays a substantial symbolic role throughout the show. From formal dining to quick snacks, he frequently indulges in food in almost every episode. His interactions with food serve as a recurring theme, from leisurely meals to grabbing cold cuts from the fridge. Interestingly enough, his associates ran their operations out of a butcher shop, and the series finale takes place in a restaurant where Tony quickly devours a plate of onion rings.

In Tony’s world, both personal and professional, food plays an indispensable role. Dive into this fan-made video, spanning 42 minutes of food moments from The Sopranos. Unlike other videos, “Nonnas” offers a brighter, more encouraging perspective on the therapeutic influence of food and family. Yet, its connections to The Sopranos echo the same profound notion that, amidst life’s ups and downs, including loss, there is no bond stronger than the one forged through shared meals passed down from generation to generation. “Nonnas” will be available on Netflix starting May 9, 2025.

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2025-05-06 03:06