Some heavies are putting the squeeze on Tony Soprano to the tune of $100 million. And that's a lot of moolah, even for New Jersey's biggest boss.
Actor James Gandolfini has decided he doesn't want to film a fifth series of The Sopranos, but network HBO has filed suit against him, saying that his refusal will cost them millions. The 41-year-old actor previously filed another lawsuit, claiming that his contract could not force him to film another series.
The New York-born star says he was not informed that creator David Chase has agreed to take part in a fifth season. His contract, he says, stipulates that he should be informed within 10 days if a new series is being commissioned.
"We are exposing the frivolous nature of James Gandolfini's claims in our answer and cross-complaint," said HBO lawyer Bert Fields, however. "If he doesn't show up by March 24, he's going to owe a huge amount of money."
The actor's case centres around an article in The New York Times, which reported a fifth series had been agreed. James says he was not notified in time and that his contract with HBO exceeds California's seven-year limit for personal services.
"It looks like we're heading for a train wreck here," admitted Fields.
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