We'd kill to see a Sopranos prequel series on HBO Max.
Thankfully, we likely won't have to take drastic action, as the streamer is currently talking with Sopranos creator David Chase about a new show. Specifically, Ann Sarnoff, chair and CEO of WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group, told Deadline that everyone was "thrilled" by the prequel film The Many Saints of Newark's success, confirming, "We're talking to David about a new series, Sopranos related, on HBO Max."
It's likely that the potential new show will pick up right where the movie left off, with a young Tony (Michael Gandolfini) heartbroken by the death of his "uncle," Dickie Moltisanti (Alessandro Nivola). In fact, Chase previously told Deadline in September that he'd be interested in continuing this prequel saga—but only if longtime Sopranos writer Terry Winter joined him on the project.
Though the reported prequel, whether it be another film or a new show, has yet to be formally greenlit, Chase has a great relationship with the family, the WB family that is.
We're, of course, referring to Chase's five-year first-look deal, in which he'll develop content for HBO, HBO Max and Warner Bros. Pictures Group.
"David Chase is one of the most gifted storytellers working in the film and television industry," Casey Bloys, chief content officer of HBO and HBO Max, said earlier this month. "HBO has had a long and celebrated creative partnership with David, and this deal affords us a wonderful opportunity to continue this relationship at HBO and HBO Max."
While we wait by a phone booth for word on a new prequel series or film, take a closer look at the spin-offs we'd love to see.
Michael Gandolfini wowed in The Many Saints of Newark as teen Tony Soprano. It's clear that Gandolfini has star quality, so why not give him his (much-deserved) spin-off series? There are so many more ice cream trucks to rob in his future, especially with guardian angel Dickie Moltisanti (Alessandro Nivola) looking out for him.
Get Leslie Odom Jr. an EGOT ASAP, because the Tony winner's performance as mob affiliate-turned-activist Harold McBrayer in The Many Saints of Newark masterfully shed a light on the changing times in 1960s New Jersey. We're desperate to see what happens to Harold after Many Saints wrapped.
The only female Italian-American mob boss on The Sopranos, Lorraine Calluzzo (Patti D'Arbanville) had a fascinating backstory that was merely hinted at during the original series. Her affair with her cousin Little Carmine (Ray Abruzzo) and deep ties to the Lupertazzi crime family would make for a fantastic throwback series, showing Lorraine's rise in the 1970s to being a well-respected earner...that is, until she was shot to death.
AJ Soprano (Robert Iler) always struggled to find his way in life, and after a botched suicide attempt involving the Soprano family pool, we like to believe that he finally followed his mother's advice and started a party-planning company. AJ could easily be the mastermind behind the Cleaver 2 premiere party, or refurbish the club previously owned by Adriana (Drea de Matteo)...you know, before she was brutally murdered.
Stay with us: Carmela (Edie Falco) sees the ghost of her cousin Adriana (Drea de Matteo) at her spec house in a dream sequence...which got us dreaming about a Flip or Flop-style home-renovation series from beyond the grave. Despite Carmela's naivete when it comes to constructing houses, Adriana no doubt will help improve Carmela's business tactics, especially since Carmela is now a widow. (Yes, we will never "Stop Believin'" that Tony died in the controversial series finale). Adriana, the friendly ghost, we miss you!
A teenaged Carmela (Lauren DiMario) briefly made an appearance in Many Saints when young Tony asked her for change to make a payphone call. We know that Carmela's parents believed they were "upper class" Italians, so what would Tony's early courtship look like to impress his in-laws? This could be Carmela's untold story, from dating exploits to deciding to be a mob wife.
Janice Soprano (Aida Turturro) knows how to end a relationship with a bang. The deadly sister of mob boss Tony (James Gandolfini) has gone through almost as many love interests as her insatiable brother. Any more Janice exploits—like discovering who her estranged son Harpo's father is—would be TV gold.
If nothing else, John "Johnny Sack" Sacrimoni (Vincent Curatola) was the O.G. #GirlDad. Cristin Milioti even played one of his adult daughters! So, why not give the New York crime boss a family sitcom about his life with wife Ginny Sacrimoni (Denise Borino) as a prequel series when they were just starting out?
Billy Magnussen and John Magaro were spot-on as young Paulie and Silvio, respectively. How would their careers pivot after that dramatic Many Saints ending? Hopefully, David Chase will let us see....
No one is more insecure or paranoid than Junior Soprano (Corey Stoll), and we can totally picture the desperate mobster trying to get attention à la a Bridgerton-style tabloid rag. When a game of telephone turns deadly (quite literally), it turns out Junior is the reigning king in what he does best: gossip.
To extend the new reality TV arm of HBO Max, David Chase could executive produce a cooking series with Sopranos alums and celeb fans at the real-life Satriale's in New Jersey. Michael Gandolfini was already on hit YouTube series Binging With Babish, so we know this idea isn't total baloney.
Even when the gravy was not good tonight, Artie Bucco (John Ventimiglia) held his head high. The wannabe mobster both revered and resented his childhood BFF Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) and even threatened to murder him after Tony burned down Artie's restaurant. Does anyone else stay up late at night wondering just how Artie got his solo earring? We're craving '90s-dance-scene Artie, making his way in town as a bachelor while Tony starts his young family. Hey, maybe Artie was cool once upon a time after all.
Sopranos alums Steve Schirripa and Michael Imperioli captured the Internet's heart during quarantine with their viral Talking Sopranos podcast. Both stars have made their thoughts on politics, meditation, paranormal activity and fellow celebrities known on their show, so why not give this dynamic duo a late-night talk-show series of their own?