David Chase Developing A New ‘Sopranos’ Prequel Series For HBO Max
While “The Many Saints of Newark” hasn’t been a box office behemoth that Warner Bros. was probably hoping it would be, it would appear the folks at the studio are super happy with how the film is performing on HBO Max. So much so, in fact, ‘Sopranos’ creator David Chase might actually return with a new series in the franchise.
Speaking to Deadline, WarnerMedia executive Ann Sarnoff revealed that the studio is currently in discussions with David Chase about continuing the ‘Sopranos’ story in a new series for HBO Max.
“We’re talking to David about a new series, ‘Sopranos’-related, on HBO Max,” revealed Sarnoff.
She doesn’t go into detail about what that series might look like or really anything at all about what it could be. However, as the report points out, Chase has been vocal about having interest in exploring more of Tony Soprano’s early years, specifically in the time period between ‘Many Saints’ and “The Sopranos.” Previously, Chase hinted that it could be another feature film, but we all know that HBO Max (like all streamers) is all about more, more, more. So, a series is probably a more enticing option.
However, if you’re following the box office news that was alluded to above, you know ‘Many Saints’ has been far from a hit. Sure, the middling reviews probably weren’t helping, but many chalk it’s unfortunate box office total ($11.4 million worldwide after 20 days) to the fact the film was simultaneously released in theaters and HBO Max. And when you hear Sarnoff talk about the film’s effect on HBO Max, it’s clear why the executive is keen to bring Chase’s franchise back to life.
“You see ‘The Sopranos’ pop into the top ten of viewed series on the service and [‘Many Saints’ has] given it an entirely new life,” she said. “It’s literally lifted all of ‘The Sopranos’ franchise in a new way. You can’t measure just by the box office.”
Obviously, with how obsessed studios are with franchises, the idea that new ‘Sopranos’ content will come after the release of “The Many Saints of Newark” isn’t all that shocking. Regardless, if you’re a fan of the original series and/or the new prequel film, revisiting the world of Tony Soprano, in whatever medium it happens, is a good thing.
