‘The Sopranos’ New Prequel Series May Really Happen
After The Sopranos ended its HBO run in 2007, creator David Chase remained coy about future installments. Fast forward to 2021, and The Many Saints of Newark reignited the TV show’s fan base and for some, sparked hope for another spinoff project.
While the movie provided insight into Dickie Moltisanti’s story and his familial relationship with Tony Soprano, it left plenty to be explored. Vera Farmiga expressed interest in returning for a sequel, and now there’s a possibility that Chase may crank out a TV series for HBO.
Another spinoff for ‘The Sopranos’ may happen
According to Deadline, David Chase is reportedly in talks with HBO about a potential Sopranos prequel TV series. After the success of The Many Saints of Newark, the network is interested in hearing more stories from Chase, his co-writer, and director Alan Taylor.
In a statement to the outlet, WarnerMedia’s CEO of Studios and Networks Ann Sarnoff praised the film and shared that more may be on the way. “We’re talking to David about a new series, Sopranos related, on HBO Max.”
Where could it possibly go? Chase has expressed his love for the “old days” and the gangster world from the ‘60s and ‘70s. But a series could tap into Livia and Johnny’s relationship, as well as individual characters such as Uncle Junior, Silvio, Big Pussy, baby Christopher, and even Harold.
Previously, Chase was trying to drop ‘Sopranos’ TV association
Chase has been vocal about Warner’s approach to streaming The Many Saints of Newark as a day-and-date release and was vehemently against it. Why? Firstly, he’d rather the film drop exclusively in theaters for the cinematic experience.
But moreover, he wanted to shake off the TV-only image of The Sopranos. Through Warner released other feature films — such as Wonder Woman 1984 — on HBO Max, Chase felt it was a mistake for his movie.
“What could we do? Covid! Well, I know, but those 16 other movies didn’t start out as a television show. They don’t have to shed that television image before you get people to the theater. But we do,” he told Deadline. “And that’s where we’re at. People should go see it in a theater. It was designed to be a movie. It was…it’s beautiful as a movie. I never thought that it would be back on HBO. Never.”
If a potential new installment moves forward in the development process, it will mark Chase’s return to a medium that he seemingly put behind him.
Vera Farmiga would be down, but Michael Gandolfini has 1 condition
During an interview with Rolling Stone, Farmiga discussed how much she loved playing Livia Soprano alongside Jon Bernthal’s Johnny. She’s willing to do a film sequel or prequel show to explore Johnny and Livia’s relationship more.
“He and I need more to do next time around. I hope there’s a Many Saints of Newark 2. Honestly, it would be my heart’s delight if they would just do a prequel series. That would be my absolute dream,” Farmiga said.
As for Michael Gandolfini? He’s stated that he would not want to play Tony as a 30-something, but he’s cool with a younger incarnation of his character for a short time. Stream The Sopranos and The Many Saints of Newark on HBO Max.
