Extended Interview With ‘Sopranos’ Creator David Chase On ‘Many Saints of Newark’

“The Sopranos” creator David Chase sits down with TODAY’s Harry Smith for an extended interview to discuss his new film “The Many Saints of Newark” and how it serves as a prequel to his iconic series. Chase shares his thoughts on how Michael Gandolfini carries the torch of his father, James, who created the role of Tony Soprano.
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#ManySaintsofNewwark #Sopranos #DavidChase

[@Pompsie]

I love David Chase. I hope he finds happiness in knowing how many people love and appreciate his work. I certainly do ❤️

[@kellymulderino7156]

yes but this film was not that good

[@ronaldo19832]

I wish I could say it was good….

[@lauraveney1412]

Nothing wrong with it. It was not about Tony

[@ryanduray1]

@@lauraveney1412 The movie was all over the place and had no character development. They tried to fit way too much into a 2 hour movie. The Sopranos is a masterpiece, but this movie just didn't work.

[@jjmerc8868]

Terence winter and James Gandolfini were the ones who made David Chase. He’s done nothing good without them.

[@swiberk]

David Chase so brilliant, blows me away. Love Harry Smith interviews too...he interviewed the Sopranos cast after Gandofini's death, did an incredible job.

[@bigt2079]

The movie felt like it’s intention was to create a spin-off. It also felt like they tried to cram a miniseries into a movie, sprinkling in nuggets of nostalgia, hoping to satisfy the long time fans. I wanted to enjoy it, but it just wasn’t for me.

[@valentinasbalachnin]

I didn't have any particular expectations of this film. I knew that Tony is going to be a supporting character in this one and I ended up really liking the film. Can't wait for another one.

[@josephthibodaux6033]

I wanted more from it but I enjoyed the story

[@valentinasbalachnin]

@@josephthibodaux6033 hopefully in a new movie.

[@josephthibodaux6033]

@@valentinasbalachnin They definitely set it up for a second part.

[@coryhoneycutt3699]

I loved it. It was exactly what it was supposed to be. A Sopranos story. No way could we expect to see everything we wanted to see in a 2 hour movie. More will surely follow.

[@coryhoneycutt3699]

David Chase is like the Bill Bilicheck of film.

[@zerocool1344]

Dicky is my favorite character now

[@listentothenightfilms]

We learned nothing about him. Nothing. He was just a wiseguy with a nasty habit of rage murdering people. In The Sopranos, people talk about him like he's a mythological figure and it felt totally hollow. Christopher was a far deeper character and far more multifaceted. I know they had a whole series to characterize him, but that's another point. This should have been the pilot to a new series. I love David Chase and The Sopranos imo is the greatest mob media of all time. I respect that you like it, but it was a letdown. Bigly.

[@foosbooze263]

@@listentothenightfilms I think a point of this movie is that it’s all a lie. Tony’s whole belief on the past is fabricated. He yearns for the old days, he thinks Dickie is brilliant and he joins the ranks out of revenge for his murder by Junior. Which he never found out about. When we see the old days here, the crew Tony think’s did it the right way is more incompetent than his own people. Uncle Jun an incompetent leader even back then, Tony’s dad playing lesser of a part in that “greatness” than he thought. Dickie being a hothead and losing turf wars against a black crew. All these thing’s Tony has no clue about but his perception of them and who he looks up to brings him in.

[@thedragon356]

@@foosbooze263 that’s a great way to think about it but I think it’s a cop out I’m not buying that being the reason the movies lack of dialogue or character development, Beacuse in the end the whole Italian girlfriend thing was a huge waste of screen time that added no value

[@Gemmarose9012]

@@thedragon356 I agree with you completely. It’s definitely a cop out to say that the audience is supposed to fill in the blanks that it was all a lie and a way to try and explain away crap writing.

[@foosbooze263]

@@thedragon356 it’s definitely a mixed bag but there were things that I think added some depth to Tony’s backstory. Unfortunately we got very little of that and everything else included needed 10 hours for the depth these characters deserved. A 2hr movie was never going to be enough. Even if it was a great movie. They tried to use the format of multiple storylines like the show. The problem is they forgot there is no next week. The movie needed to stand on it’s own and it doesn’t.

[@brittyn]

We need another movie! I want to see the story of Tony continue. Show us 10 more years. 🙏

[@PolPotsPieHole]

If they had just made the Sil character Tony's age it would have been 75% better to many inconsistency's, I don't even know where to begin

[@lauraveney1412]

They were not his age

[@purplemonkeydishwasher4241]

@@lauraveney1412 Silvio is only two years older than tony, in this prequel he's much older.

[@brunopupo8266]

Looks like Michael Gandolfini had the makings of a varsity athlete.

[@hippiecheezburger5457]

After watching the film a second and third time it really sinks in actually. Dickie Moltisanti had a lot of similar problems in his life that mirror that of Tony’s and the thing is that Dickie didn’t even have an outlet to pour his thoughts out to like Tony did with the therapy sessions.If anything the film just shows the examples given to Tony as a teen and the constrained relationship he had with his mother and at the end you and Dickie just realize just by knowing Tony how much of an influence he has on the kid. It’s honestly a pretty good movie

[@mayaram2411]

I know, but it should have been longer. I'd have liked to see the relationship between this strong guy Dickie Moltisanti and young Tony Soprano more fleshed out, and more of the rotten influence of textbook narcissist Livia.

[@Eyes_dont_Lie]

Is it just me or does david chase look like john kramer from saw loll

[@Lushy260]

What a great interview!!!!!

[@michaelpryor8015]

The movie delivered for me; I mean honestly if you didn’t like the movie then just watch the show…?

[@27MOJOKING]

Movie was horrible. No continuity or story. Like a woke snl skit of the sopranos put together randomly. Nothing makes any sense

[@kellymulderino7156]

it wasnt that good

[@dub_dub1504]

@@kellymulderino7156 are you a bot Kelly? Same exact response in multiple threads.

[@kellymulderino7156]

@@dub_dub1504 and your point being?

[@dub_dub1504]

@@kellymulderino7156 come up with something new and interesting. Tedious is the kindest remark I could give you.

[@sleepyandhollow.]

the man is a genius, Sopranos is proof of that but when it comes to the movie, he tried to tell too much in too little time and therefor ended up telling us nothing at all. Other than who killed dickie.

[@rigsby1454]

While the film has its flaws, and by no means am I telling anyone to like something, I feel some people came in expecting something they didn't get. Would recommend watching again. There's a lot in there that matches up and gives a new twist on the relationships to come. Its a nice addendum. Guy who played Sil was a bit OTT though.

[@ronaldo19832]

I agree, watching it again tomorrow

[@Gemmarose9012]

The only thing I came in expecting was a back story about Dickie Moltisanti and the movie didn’t deliver that.

[@BlackangelKatakuri]

@@Gemmarose9012 Even though that's it's title

[@JonahAGoldstein]

Great movie, just came out in the wrong medium. Should’ve been a limited series

[@dub_dub1504]

Would have made a great mini series. 4-5 episodes the same length as the original episodes. Hoping beyond hope there might be a follow up movie.

[@glendagardoza5526]

Yeah, the title of the series is "Ever heard of the Chinese Sopranos?"

[@SuperCuttyBlackSow]

Only David Chase always wanted to be a filmmaker he never wanted to make tv shows

[@MASKEDMAN712]

@@dub_dub1504 it absolutely needs a follow-up. There’s no way Harold kills the amount of guys in the DiMeo outfit & just lives in the end while Dickie gets put down. The rise of Tony would be epic to witness too.

[@dub_dub1504]

@@SuperCuttyBlackSow agreed. That's why we got nearly 90, 1 hour cinematic quality episodes.

[@kathydimario5263]

Wish they would make this into a series like the Sapranos David Chase is a writing genius

[@thebacons5943]

The 3 goofy things about the show were even more goofy in the movie… but the 3 awesome things were just as awesome. Really great addition for a any fan of the show… of all the reboots and what not this might be one of the most successful, just because it’s a true companion

[@timothyrogers3673]

I really did enjoy the movie 🍿.

[@australian2]

Genius.

[@Porquemicafe]

WHY HASNT ANYONE ASKED HIM ABOUT THAT DELETED SCENE WITH CARMELA!?!?!?

[@christopherallen9580]

what was that scene

[@sansbudget]

@@christopherallen9580 Carmella (played by Edie Falco) in a graveyard looking at Tony's grave

[@nathanadamo2582]

Amazing comment at the end there

[@jordanreid2619]

Even if the movie isn’t the best he still made one of the best drama series I’ve ever watched

[@alexandernuckel9107]

Thanks for mentioning NUTLEY a few times in the show.

[@VangeliRock]

Def will be going to theater to catch this one, not HBO.

[@colinj5291]

It was horrible. Don't waste your money.

[@jjmerc8868]

Don’t waste your money

[@Danzyr]

I think some of the parts where they repeat iconic lines/scenes from the show felt too much like forced fan service which I found to be jarring. I like the main character, but I would have liked to see more of him.

[@Rick_Sanchez_Jr.]

This movie was incredible. Loved all the references from the show

[@gpatl3265]

17:51 that moment when you realise that life/covid 19 gives you a "double dipping" 🤔 That's messed up!

[@RoseUnseen]

the many saint of newark would of been 5+ stars , AMAZING!! WOW!! ..................in 2009 :/

[@llamaddrama]

Loved the movie. Sad to see it hasn’t gotten a warmer reception

[@gustavocotrim214]

14:55 SHEESH

[@27MOJOKING]

Movie was Horrible. bunch of random scenes of actors acting like caractures of the sopranos that makes no sense and tells no story

[@kellymulderino7156]

Corey stoll was terrible as Junior - felt like he was just impersonating him

[@27MOJOKING]

Whole movie is just a money grab with fan service scenes

[@jordanwillrog]

Omg u read my mind !!

[@redcomic619]

If David Chase directed I think the movie would have been great. Unfortunately Alan Taylor has proven himself to be a very poor director.

[@sansbudget]

No he didn't

[@redcomic619]

@@sansbudget Alan Taylor is terrible.

[@tomiecacique]

@@redcomic619 Didnt even know he directed it. Looked up his track record and yeah, David Chase dropped the ball handing it to Alan Taylor.

[@Mitchcraft.]

Mess of a movie

[@victorblock3421]

He created the greatest TV show, by far. I have watched every episode many times and can practically recite the dialogue, word by word. That said, the movie sucked the big one. There cannot be a Soprano show without the big man. Jim Gandolfini was the show. The cast was incredible, everyone of them, but each individual was expendable, except Tony Soprano.

[@XanderShiller]

Part2 Livia starts taking bipolar meds and robbing Feech's card games.

[@Raj87rules]

The Sopranos will always be my favourite show of all time but the movie was pure cringe..

[@roryoconnor6574]

You can see the interviewer’s trick of fake-laughing maniacally in the middle of the conversation, since the interview will be cut into little pieces with other footage, and the laugh signals moving to other footage. Bloody awful, irritating, I must say.

[@alexandernuckel9107]

Chase is a gangster.

[@deepzepp4176]

Why did Chase get Alan Taylor to direct this? His Sopranos work was fine, but his movie work is pretty awful. The Newark riots/black mob thing was a complete waste of time as well.

[@lauraveney1412]

Those riots happened and it was mentioned in the Sopranos a few times

[@gregorydufrene121]

What's being vaccinated got to do with this movie ? George Floyd reference? I liked the addition of Frank Lucas in the film!

[@michaeldegaetano4497]

Movie sucked. Awful. Rushed. Money grab.

[@RR-lv3tp]

The movie was great 💯 and I hate to break it to ya, but everything in life is a money grab

[@ZareefPusha]

@@RR-lv3tp not everything in life is a money grab lol but in business the end goal is to make money

[@regularm3924]

The movie is a solid 5/10 not even near the series

[@michaeldegaetano4497]

@@regularm3924 I went with 4.5/10

[@LiquidSnipess]

I just wanna know what tf happened to johny during the shootout

[@raoulduke2309]

I’d rather have watched my knees being broken with a hammer...what a terrible movie..

[@michaeldegaetano4497]

1000000 Likes.

[@raoulduke2309]

@@michaeldegaetano4497 ya know if they had ended the movie with a close up shot of Tony’s gravestone it woulda almost been worth sitting thru that turd of a film...I think David chase hates us

[@michaeldegaetano4497]

@@raoulduke2309 it should have been like a 10 part mini series with an ending like that.

[@raoulduke2309]

@@michaeldegaetano4497 if they make a Wire movie I’m canceling all my streaming services and listening to the radio for the rest of my life

[@bruceyboysvideos]

Why are you even here then dude

[@michaelhill4183]

The Many Saints of Newark I would rate it a 1 / 10. It failed incredibly in being Sopranos Prequel movie. The way the family was presented and they way they acted and ran their crews made no sense. They did not act at all like the Sopranos Mafia family we were shown in the television show. The affair was incredibly stupid. Everything about it was so ridiculous and felt nothing like Sopranos movie. I am ashamed and embarrassed by what they produced. It was worse than a day time Soap opera episode.

[@pzgeyo1995]

Movie sucked. How was dickie Tony’s mentor? He abandoned him as a kid…

[@ericross441]

Exactly. There were a lot of things that didn't make sense

[@colinj5291]

He abandoned him and then he died the same night. Total trash character development.

[@valaxius]

The movie took place over the course of years. Dickie was there for him until the end and even then was willing to meet with him the next morning. Him getting killed was a double hit on Tony.

[@ididntmeantoshootthatvietn5012]

Hard to make sense out of this really, at one point of the show Chris mentioned that he's 11 years old when Tony is 19, that would made Tony 8 years old when dickie died, no way he would call dickie a mentor when he's 8 years old, the timeline is already screwed up before the movie

[@colinj5291]

@@ididntmeantoshootthatvietn5012 In the show, during the Newark riots Tony is about 8 years old in 1967. This would place him being born in 1959 and turning 40 in 1999, which is correct. In the film, during the riots he is 11 or 12 years old in 1967, which would mean he was born much earlier. Makes no sense.

[@ryanduray1]

David Chase is undeniably brilliant, but the movie missed the mark.

[@vibinwpsilocybin1424]

i’m unvaccinated & went to go see it in theaters lol. Americans seem to forget about natural immunity post-infection & that vaccinated people still carry viral load as much as the unvaxxed

[@grayghost6692]

Americans haven’t, the media chooses to ignore it. If anyone brings it up, the media calls them anti-science.

[@foosbooze263]

Good for you. Hope ya make it.

[@vibinwpsilocybin1424]

@@foosbooze263 yea i’ve had it previously(: 19 yrs old.

[@kellymulderino7156]

natural immunity to covid? lol

[@vibinwpsilocybin1424]

@@kellymulderino7156 u poor fool. Antibodies are produced once you have gotten over covid. Basic Science

[@glendagardoza5526]

The movie is so baaaad I thought it was written and directed by some Czechoslovakian interior decorator.

[@hungrymikepencetd5686]

Hehehe

[@regularm3924]

U hear what i said ton i said the movie was so bad that it was written by a checoslovakian interior decorator he he he

[@colinj5291]

The guy that wrote this also killed like 16 Chechen rebels...single handed.

[@coolectra13]

I lost respect for him. That movie had so much potential and he totally did the franchise a disservice. Like he wanted to ruin it

[@jordanwillrog]

Biggest disappointment of 2020

[@valentinasbalachnin]

Glad this movie came out in 2021 then

[@jordanwillrog]

@@valentinasbalachnin na

[@JohnDoe-kz4gy]

The movie sucked.

[@Clatakesalook]

It’s a shame that’s not what happens at all in the film . 😢 such a waste

[@Black_Cat_997]

The movie sucks. David Chase is great.

[@ericross441]

The flashback scenes in The Sopranos were full of character and humor, more than this lifeless, lackluster "movie"

[@kellymulderino7156]

those actors did a better job you got a better idea of who johnny was. in many saints there was no character development for johnny soprano

[@ericross441]

@@kellymulderino7156 Yes, the Johnny in The Sopranos was more fleshed out. The Johnny in "Saints" was a completely different guy. He was more toned down

[@jordanwillrog]

Movie SUCKED

[@alainprostbis]

And you can actually compare them as there is a scene common to the series and to the movie, where jonhhy boy is arrested at the fair in front of Janice and Tony. Ideed the actors playing johhny and Junior were far superior in the series...the fun of seeing a clown arrested was omitted in the movie.

[@antoferg3917]

One of the worst films ive seen in a cinema in a long long time

[@jerryroberts9732]

Never comment after 1 viewing...knee jerk reaction

[@antoferg3917]

@@jerryroberts9732 One was enough it is total garbage

[@jerryroberts9732]

Wrong

[@JJHcars]

Movie is terrible unfortunately 😔

[@anthonysalerno987]

Movie was trash

[@marcomorbeck831]

The movie was overhyped!! It was not that good. Chase needs to make a serie of Many Saints of Newark. That would be epic!

[@hamood932]

Who exactly overhyped saints

[@Newmoney-yq8pg]

Movie was garbage. 6 outta 10 at best.

[@brittyn]

6 out of 10 is garbage to you? In my opinion, garbage is a movie that’s lower than 5 out of 10.

[@Newmoney-yq8pg]

@@brittyn yep it was barely good . 6 outta 10 = F

[@brittyn]

@@Newmoney-yq8pg so what is the equivalent for 1-5 out of 10? All of them are F? Your scale is off.

[@Newmoney-yq8pg]

@@brittyn To you its off . Your opinion doesn’t matter though. So like i said.. the movie sucked . Move on with your life now please.

[@JETSKNICKSYANKS]

Great show, mediocre at best movie

[@parus2986]

I am sorry, but that was a woke BS, not a movie!

[@foosbooze263]

I don’t understand how this movie is woke. It has no message that your grasping to apply here.

[@paulroarke7895]

That movie was so bad it defies description. 🤮🤮🤮

[@drlongus8321]

What a horrible disaster this movie is...not even a shadow of The Sopranos...Chase is a disgrace

[@NicholasDeCola]

Very disappointed in the film Was woke Hollywood trash Didn’t see any gangsters in the film Total waste of good actors

[@lauraveney1412]

The whole movie was about gangsters in Newark

[@WLDB]

Meh, Chase wrote it. Had nothing to do with Hollywood.

[@bobbygermano9926]

#TheManySimpsOfNewwoke Disgrace of Gandolfinis work.

[@kellymulderino7156]

movie sucked

[@bartlebyjonze2438]

Genre is dead. New movie blows.

[@Frankamentise]

The new movie was a total INSULT to Italian-Americans. Italians & Blacks NEVER had rivalries & wars on the streets. David Chase added ‘Woke-ness’ to this film that is blatantly misleading & a blatant attack on Italian-Americans. Trying to create division. Piece of garbage film with SO MANY falsehoods. 👎👎👎

[@bigdaddytrips6197]

David chase ruined his legacy with the Saints of Newark

[@roman_nersisyan]

No he DIDENT

[@affoidman123]

Garbage movie. Poor Jim rolling over in his grave.

[@ski8615]

The film was atrocious 🇬🇧

[@donttalktome4696]

It's so sad this old fool destroyed his legacy with this nonsense movie.

[@theradioattheendoftheworld4251]

Sopranos great. Many Saints of Newark garbage.

[@Alex-ds3cg]

The movie sucked