Jon Bernthal is enjoying a well-deserved career surge, appearing in two blockbuster films—Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey—that have put him in the spotlight. But as fans dive into his filmography, they're discovering a hidden gem: his role as Johnny Soprano in The Many Saints of Newark, the prequel to the iconic series The Sopranos.
For over two decades, The Sopranos has been hailed as a landmark of television, reshaping the landscape of prestige drama. When the franchise returned with The Many Saints of Newark, expectations were sky-high. Bernthal stepped into the shoes of Johnny Soprano, the father of Tony Soprano (originally played by James Gandolfini), and the husband of Livia (Vera Farmiga, later portrayed by Nancy Marchand).
Unfortunately, the film's initial release was hampered by the pandemic and a simultaneous debut on HBO Max, which limited its theatrical run. It grossed just $13.1 million worldwide against a $50 million budget, a disappointing figure for such a beloved franchise. However, the film's critical reception was more favorable, earning a 72% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, with praise for Michael Gandolfini's emotional performance and David Chase's willingness to explore a different side of the Sopranos universe.
Now, years later, the film is experiencing a renaissance on streaming. Audiences are rediscovering The Many Saints of Newark on HBO Max, and it's finally finding the audience it deserved. The film's exploration of Newark during the racial tensions of the late 1960s and early 1970s, following Dickie Moltisanti as he becomes a mentor to young Tony, resonates with viewers who appreciate the deeper character study.
The cast is a who's who of talent, including Alessandro Nivola as Dickie, Michael Gandolfini as Tony, Leslie Odom Jr. as Harold McBrayer, Corey Stoll as Junior Soprano, Billy Magnussen as Paulie Walnuts, and the late Ray Liotta in a dual role. Their performances bring the world of The Sopranos to life in a new era, and fans are loving it.
For those who missed it in theaters, or who want to revisit it, The Many Saints of Newark is now a streaming hit, proving that great storytelling can find its audience eventually. And for Bernthal, it's another feather in his cap as he continues to dominate the entertainment landscape. If you're a fan of Bernthal's iconic moments, this is a must-watch.
As the Sopranos universe continues to expand, with projects like The Mortons on the horizon, it's clear that the legacy of the series is far from over. And with Bernthal's star on the rise, his portrayal of Johnny Soprano is sure to be remembered as a standout in his career.
