Jon Bernthal is having a banner year, but one of his earlier projects is finally getting its due. The actor, who has dominated screens with hits like His & Hers and The Punisher: One Last Kill, is now seeing his 2021 Sopranos prequel, The Many Saints of Newark, surge in popularity on video-on-demand platforms. Five years after a theatrical run that was hampered by the pandemic, the film is climbing the charts on services like Prime Video and Apple TV, proving that audiences are ready to revisit the mob drama.
Bernthal's recent success is undeniable. He kicked off 2026 with the Netflix series His & Hers, which drew millions of viewers. He then reprised his role as Frank Castle in The Punisher: One Last Kill before appearing in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which grossed over $2 billion worldwide. He also starred in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, which is set for a digital release in November. But not every project in his filmography was an instant hit.
The Many Saints of Newark, directed by Alan Taylor, was a prequel set 30 years before the events of the iconic HBO series. Bernthal played Johnny Soprano, the father of Tony Soprano. The film had a budget of around $50 million but only managed to gross $13 million globally, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic limiting theater access. Now, however, it's finding a new audience on VOD, where it has re-entered the top 10 in several countries.
The film's resurgence is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Sopranos universe. Fans are eager to dive back into the world of the DiMeo crime family, and the prequel offers a fresh perspective on the characters they love. The story follows a young Anthony Soprano as he navigates the turbulent streets of Newark, with his uncle Dickie Moltisanti (played by Alessandro Nivola) serving as a mentor figure. The film explores the racial tensions and gang rivalries that shaped Tony into the mob boss viewers came to know.
For those who missed it in theaters or want to revisit it, The Many Saints of Newark is available on VOD platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV. It's a must-watch for any Sopranos fan, offering a deeper look into the backstory of one of television's most iconic characters. And with Bernthal's star power at an all-time high, this forgotten gem is finally getting the attention it deserves.
If you're in the mood for more underrated picks, check out our list of forgotten films that predicted today's world. And for more Bernthal, see why his action thriller sequel is a streaming smash. Stay tuned for more updates on his upcoming projects.
