Jon Bernthal is having a banner year in 2026, but even as he dominates both the big and small screens, one of his earlier projects is quietly making a comeback. The actor, who starred in blockbusters like The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, has added billions to his box office totals this year. Yet, it's his role in a certain mob prequel that's now capturing audiences' attention in a whole new way.
That project is The Many Saints of Newark, the 2021 prequel to HBO's legendary The Sopranos. Despite featuring Bernthal as Johnny Soprano and Michael Gandolfini (son of the late James Gandolfini) as a young Tony, the film struggled mightily upon its initial release. Debuting during a COVID-19 surge, it grossed just $13 million worldwide against a $50 million budget, far below its break-even point. For years, it seemed destined to be a footnote in the franchise's history.
But now, in October 2026, the film is experiencing a remarkable resurgence. It has become a top performer on VOD platforms like Prime Video, where viewers are finally discovering (or rediscovering) this gritty origin story. The film's streaming success is a testament to its quality and the enduring appeal of the Sopranos universe.
What Is The Many Saints of Newark About?
Set decades before the events of The Sopranos, the film follows a young Tony Soprano as he navigates the violent, racially charged streets of Newark. Under the influence of his uncle Dickie Moltisanti (played by Alessandro Nivola), Tony begins his ascent toward becoming the powerful mob boss audiences know from the series. Directed by Alan Taylor and written by series creator David Chase and Lawrence Konnor, the film offers a deep dive into the origins of one of TV's most iconic characters.
Michael Gandolfini delivers a hauntingly familiar performance as young Tony, capturing the mannerisms and simmering intensity of his father's legendary portrayal. His work in the film has been praised, and he has since appeared in other projects like Daredevil: Born Again.
For Bernthal, The Many Saints of Newark is just one of many standout roles in a career filled with memorable characters. From his gritty turn in Fury to his recent solo outing as the Punisher in The Punisher: One Last Kill, which spent over a month as the #1 show on streaming, Bernthal has proven his versatility. His future in the MCU remains uncertain, but his current streak of hits shows no signs of slowing.
If you haven't seen The Many Saints of Newark yet, now is the perfect time to catch it on VOD. It's a must-watch for any Sopranos fan and a fascinating look at the early days of a crime dynasty. For more on Bernthal's career, check out our coverage of his other streaming hits.
As the film continues to climb the charts, it's clear that The Many Saints of Newark has finally found its audience. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or new to the world of Tony Soprano, this prequel offers a compelling and gritty addition to the saga. And for more on the best mob movies ever made, don't miss our ranking of Robert De Niro's greatest roles.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on Jon Bernthal's upcoming projects and the continued success of The Many Saints of Newark.
