It’s nearly impossible to think of *The Sopranos* as anything other than the groundbreaking TV series that reshaped modern television, given its unforgettable moments and profound cultural impact. However, creator David Chase recently shared that his original vision for *The Sopranos* wasn’t as a TV series but rather as a feature film. In the newly released documentary, *Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos*, Chase reveals his initial idea, and after hearing about it, I can genuinely see this alternate version of the iconic mob tale being equally compelling.
Before HBO greenlit the series, Chase initially conceived the story as a film centered around Tony Soprano and his complicated relationship with his mother, Livia. This concept was heavily influenced by Chase’s own experiences with his demanding mother, which would have given the film an intensely personal angle. With Chase’s background as a television writer and his aspiration to create something for the big screen, it’s intriguing that his first idea for what became one of TV’s most revered series was, in fact, a movie.
Had the project stayed true to Chase’s original plan, we could have seen a condensed version of the story that eventually spanned six seasons. Thankfully, HBO saw the potential for a much broader narrative.
It’s interesting to wonder if Tony Soprano and his Jersey mob family would have had the same cultural impact in a movie format. Could the film have been one of the greatest mob movies of the 2000s? While it’s hard to say for certain, it’s challenging to imagine *The Sopranos* reaching the same legendary status without the extended format that allowed its richly developed characters and intricate storylines to evolve fully. However, there’s no doubt that seeing Tony Soprano on the big screen would have been quite an experience.
The central theme of family—both biological and chosen—was always at the core of the *I’ll Fly Away* veteran producer’s concept, and it’s evident from Chase’s description that the film would have retained many of the elements that made the TV series a massive success. Tony’s dual struggle of being a mob boss while trying to keep his family together was foundational to both the film idea and the eventual show. This is a major reason why I believe the film could have been a hit.
The complex relationship between Tony and Livia, portrayed brilliantly by Nancy Marchand, remained one of the most critical elements of the TV series, even though it was initially intended to be the driving force of a two-hour movie rather than a sprawling, six-season narrative. Marchand’s passing in 2000 forced a shift in *The Sopranos*’ storyline, significantly altering its trajectory.
While Livia’s death changed the course of the show, Chase has always maintained that Tony’s relationship with his mother was the heart of the story. It’s bittersweet to imagine how the series might have developed had Nancy Marchand lived longer. If *The Sopranos* had remained a film, Livia’s story might have had a more conclusive resolution.
While a film would certainly have been compelling, it’s hard to argue against the deeper, more layered storytelling that the series format allowed—a format that fans have come to cherish. With its abrupt yet fitting ending, the story of Livia and Tony reflects the unpredictability of life, a conclusion that resonates well in hindsight. Of course, opinions differ, and some viewers still debate the series’ ending. However, in my view, it’s part of what makes the Emmy-winning drama one of the few shows that truly ended well.
Though we will never see David Chase’s original film version, this newly revealed backstory provides a fascinating glimpse into what could have been. Ultimately, I’m perfectly content with the legendary series that *The Sopranos* became.
*Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos* is available to stream now. All you need is a Max subscription to enjoy this deep dive into one of television’s most iconic shows.
