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We're inching closer to the finish line on HBO’s The Penguin, the limited series spinoff to Matt Reeves’ The Batman. Each week, as we learn more about the crime world of Gotham and the villains who inhabit it, we also dig deeper into the supporting characters who impact the leads, such as Oz Cobb’s (Colin Farrell) mother Francis (Deirdre O'Connell). What makes Oz such a great character is how complicated he is; not only is he ruthless and conniving, but he's also awkward, insecure, and needs reassurance from his mom.

We get to know Francis a little bit throughout The Penguin, and while she might have a limited role, O'Connell’s performance does a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to explaining why Oz is the way he is. I had the pleasure of catching up with the actress at New York Comic Con earlier this month,...

David Chase, the creator and writer of The Sopranos, reflected on his journey and creative process behind the award-winning show in HBO’s Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos, a two-part original documentary. Starring James Gandolfini, the television behemoth ran for six seasons from 1999 to 2007, and because of its popularity, a prequel came to life.

Credits: David Chase in Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos / HBO

Unlike the highly acclaimed series, 2021’s The Many Saints of Newark was slammed by critics and fans, and Chase admitted he was responsible for the mistakes, though he also pointed his finger at the marketing department.

David Chase Opened Up About The Failure Of The Many Saints of Newark

The Many Saints of Newark was promoted as the origin story of young Tony Soprano and his mentor, Dickie Moltisanti. David Chase initially did not want to make a movie based on...

Seventeen years after it first aired on HBO, the series finale of "The Sopranos" still stuns. David Chase's polarizing but powerful decision to end one of the best TV shows of all time with a sudden, ambiguous cut to black remains bold and shocking, even as countless other small screen sagas have come and gone.

In the new HBO two-part documentary "Wise Guy: David Chase and the Sopranos," the series creator, writers, executive producers, and an occasional director gets surprisingly candid about both the show's inception and its ending. The rest of the cast and crew does too, with several involved in the finale recalling their initial disbelief at the show's withholding ending. "It was so sudden and strange," actor Michael Imperioli noted, while co-star Drea de Matteo said she called around to ask if her TV had gone out. According to star Lorraine Bracco, who played psychiatrist Dr.

Edie Falco is the latest star of a notoriously violent — and celebrated — HBO series to bemoan the increasingly common practice of trigger warnings on TV.

The “Sopranos” star partook in the new HBO documentary “Wise Guy: David Chase and the Sopranos,” which charts the life and creative process of prolific series creator David Chase through the lens of his show’s historic, boundary-pushing successes.

Speaking about the mobster series’ violence and growing fanbase around its whack-of-the-week in Part 2 of the doc, Falco said, “The show was always shocking somebody about something.”

“You could push the envelope and let people be uncomfortable — forgive me, but without a trigger warning,” the actress continued. “The whole point is you want to surprise people and give them feelings that maybe are uncomfortable and have them learn to deal with them. That, my friend, is life.”

Falco starred for six seasons as Carmela Soprano, the...

[Warning: The below contains Major spoilers from Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos.] The Sopranos celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024, and in the spirit of that, HBO has released the two-part documentary Wise Guy: David Chase and the Sopranos. The must-see TV event features never-before-seen archival footage and commentary from the cast and creatives with a particular focus on creator David Chase. While tuning in is highly advisable, we’re breaking down some of the biggest reveals from the two-parter, so beware of spoilers ahead. 1. Christopher was almost Dean. As star Michael Imperioli recalled his audition process, he noted in the documentary that Christopher’s name was originally Dean Moltisanti, a far cry from the moniker fans came to know over the seasons. 2. Last but not least… Carmela. HBO When it came to casting major roles, Carmela Soprano was the last one to be filled, and star Edie Falco wasn’t even sure she’d...

On Saturday September 7 2024, HBO broadcasts Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos!

Season 1 Episode 1 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos” on HBO offers viewers a fascinating look into the life of the creative mind behind one of television’s most iconic series. David Chase will share stories from his early life in New Jersey, where his passion for filmmaking began to take shape. This exploration of his formative years will reveal how his personal experiences and family dynamics influenced his work.

As Chase reflects on his journey, he highlights his successful career as a network writer. However, it is his desire to write something deeply personal that leads him to create “The Sopranos.” The episode delves into the inspiration behind the show, focusing on his relationship with his mother and how it shaped the complex characters and storylines that captivated audiences.

Viewers can...

On Saturday September 7 2024, HBO broadcasts Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos!

Season 1 Episode 2 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode titled “Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos” on HBO promises an insightful look into one of television’s most acclaimed series. In this episode, creator David Chase shares his experiences and challenges in crafting the show’s intricate 13-episode story arcs. He discusses how he balanced the dark humor with the serious themes that defined the series, giving viewers a deeper understanding of his creative process.

In addition to Chase’s reflections, the episode also features cast members reminiscing about their time on the show. They pay tribute to the late James Gandolfini, who portrayed the iconic character Tony Soprano. Through their stories, fans will gain a greater appreciation for Gandolfini’s talent and the impact he had on the series and its audience.

This episode of “Wise Guy” not...

This Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 9:15 Pm, HBO presents the second episode of “Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos.” In this insightful episode, creator David Chase dives into the creative process behind one of television’s most iconic series. He reveals the challenges he faced while mapping out the complex story arcs of the show’s 13 episodes. The balancing act between the dark comedy and serious drama of “The Sopranos” is a central theme, highlighting the unique blend that made the series so compelling.

The episode also features touching memories from cast members as they reflect on their experiences with the late James Gandolfini, who portrayed the unforgettable Tony Soprano. Their stories bring a personal touch to the documentary, celebrating Gandolfini’s talent and the impact he had on his co-stars and fans alike.

“Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos” offers an engaging look into the creative mind behind the show,...

From Naples to Gotham City, let Max pick your end-of-summer destination!

This September, leading up to the release of the highly anticipated HBO Original series “The Penguin,” starring Colin Farrell as Batman’s avian antagonist, Max has also curated a “DC Universe” collection, including the Michael Keaton-led “Batman” films beginning with 1989’s “Batman,” the hit adult-animated series “Harley Quinn,” and the 11-time Emmy-winning “Watchmen,” among many others.

But beyond Gotham, it’s a busy month for HBO and Max, which will premiere the fourth and final season of “My Brilliant Friend,” based on Elena Ferrante’s novels, as well as the two-part Original Documentary “Wise Guy: David Chase and the Sopranos,” an up-close look at the creative process behind the cultural phenomenon and HBO anchor.

Also new to the streamer’s collection this month are several titles from Discovery, Food Network, and more, including Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki...

"I had no idea what I was doing... But I knew it was gonna be about money and death." HBO has revealed a trailer for 2-part documentary film called Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos, a fascinating look back at the making of the iconic HBO show. This is set to premiere streaming on Max and on HBO in September this fall. "The man behind the cultural phenomenon." In Wise Guy, The Sopranos creator David Chase offers a unique look into his work on the hit series. From his own upbringing in an Italian American family in north New Jersey, with a complicated mother and a fascination with cinema, Chase details his entrée into Hollywood, where he wrote for a multitude of television shows, and his relationship with HBO as he pitched and developed his anti-hero mobster Tony Soprano. With candor and self-reflection, Chase digs into the challenges of running a successful show,...

We may not be getting a reboot or a sequel to “The Sopranos” anytime soon. And depending on who you are, that is either good or bad. Regardless, we are getting a new documentary, ‘Wise Guy,’ that dives into the creation of one of the best TV series of all time.

Read More: ‘The Sopranos’ Creator Says Show’s Anniversary Is Really “A Funeral” For Prestige TV: “We’re Going Back To Where We Were”

As seen in the trailer, “Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos” tells the story of the creation of “The Sopranos” through the eyes of the one person who knows it better than anyone else—David Chase.

Continue reading ‘Wise Guy: David Chase And The Sopranos’ Trailer: ‘The Sopranos’ Creator Talks About The Beloved Series at The Playlist.

Photograph by Courtesy of HBO HBO is offering a fresh look at The Sopranos with the documentary Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos, directed by Oscar-winner Alex Gibney. Premiering September 7th, it dives into the mind of David Chase, revealing the personal stories and creative choices that made the show iconic. This isn’t just another behind-the-scenes peek. Gibney takes us on a journey with candid interviews and unseen footage, featuring insights from Chase and stars like Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli, and Lorraine Bracco.

Get ready to explore the writers’ room and set, witnessing the collaboration and inspiration behind the show’s memorable moments. Catch Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos on HBO and Max starting September 7th.

The post Beyond The Bada Bing: Unveiling The Secrets of ‘The Sopranos’ appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.

The 2024 Truth Seekers Summit, presented by Paramount+, took place last Thursday in New York City and was a significant event in the media industry. It focused on the art of documentary filmmaking and investigative journalism. Organized by Rolling Stone and Variety, the summit gathered an impressive roster of speakers, including notable journalists, documentarians, and public figures known for their commitment to uncovering the truth.

New York, New York – August 15: (L-r) Abby Phillip, Katy Tur, Tony Dokoupil, Yamiche Alcindor and Geoff Bennett speak onstage during the Variety and Rolling Stone...

The cast and creatives behind “The Sopranos” reunited at Tribeca Festival Thursday night in celebration of the series’ 25th anniversary.

They gathered for the premiere of Alex Gibney’s HBO documentary, “Wise Guy: David Chase and the Sopranos,” which played to a packed audience at the Beacon Theatre on the Upper West Side of Manhattan Thursday night. The two-hour-and-40-minute documentary begins with “The Sopranos” opening credit sequence driving into New Jersey. This time, the show’s creator and showrunner David Chase sits in the passenger seat. Throughout the documentary, Chase is interviewed by Gibney in a recreated set of Dr. Melfi’s psychiatrist office. Chase shares stories of growing up in New Jersey in an Italian American family and how his own experiences with his mother influenced the show.

Chase explained that he first pitched “The Sopranos” as a feature film, but HBO was the only party interested in picking it up.

Overflowing with insight; stuffed with revelatory interviews and anecdotes and archival footage; as bursting with flavor as a baked ziti; and as immersive, in its way, as the show itself, “Wise Guy: David Chase and the Sopranos” is Alex Gibney’s sensationally artful and engrossing two-hour-and-40-minute documentary about the greatest show in the history of television.

If you’re a fanatic for “The Sopranos” (and who isn’t?), you probably already know a fair amount about how the show came to be, and “Wise Guy,” for a while, treads familiar ground. The film is framed as a profile of the show’s visionary creator and showrunner, David Chase (the opening credits redo the driving-into-Jersey “Sopranos” credits with Chase in the passenger seat), who is interviewed by Gibney on an exact mock-up of the set of Dr. Melfi’s psychiatrist office, a joke/stunt that recedes into the background yet never loses its playful resonance,...