‘The Sopranos’ Prequel Film Confirmed: David Chase’s ‘The Many Saints Of Newark’ Takes Shape at New Line

David Chase is officially returning to the world of “The Sopranos.” Deadline confirms Chase and Lawrence Konner’s screenplay for their “Sopranos” prequel film has been purchased by New Line. The working title for the prequel is “The Many Saints of Newark.” Chase created the HBO series, which ran for six seasons, and Konner served as a writer.

“The Many Saints of Newark” is set during the 1960s riots in the New Jersey city between the African-American and Italian communities. The war between the cultural mobs turns especially lethal. According to Deadline, the prequel film will include characters that appeared on the HBO series, most likely younger versions of Tony Soprano’s father and mother, played in the original series in flashback by Joseph Siravo and Nancy Marchand. Tony’s uncle Junior is also expected to appear.

Chase will serve as producer in addition to co-writer. He’ll also be involved in choosing the director to helm the film.

“David is a masterful storyteller and we, along with our colleagues at HBO, are thrilled that he has decided to revisit, and enlarge, the Soprano universe in a feature film,” said Toby Emmerich, Warner Bros Pictures Group chairman. Warner Bros. is the parent company of New Line.

“The Sopranos” has been off the air since 2007’s infamous series finale cut to black. The show is often cited as one of the best television dramas in history.