David Boreanaz Introduces His Next Project: “I’m Watching a Lot of The Sopranos Right Now”

David Boreanaz is no stranger to creating iconic characters. For nearly three decades, he has captivated audiences in roles ranging from the tortured vampire Angel to the tough yet emotionally complex FBI agent Seeley Booth in Bones, and most recently, as the fearless Navy SEAL Jason Hayes in SEAL Team. As the beloved military drama draws to a close with its seventh and final season, fans have been wondering what Boreanaz’s next project will be.

In a recent interview, Boreanaz dropped an intriguing hint about his future plans. When asked about his next steps, he revealed that he’s been watching a lot of The Sopranos, one of television’s most acclaimed series, and that it may serve as inspiration for his next role. While details are still under wraps, this revelation has left fans buzzing about the potential direction Boreanaz could take as he transitions from SEAL Team to his next big project.

So, what does Boreanaz’s admiration for The Sopranos mean for his future career? Could we see him in a mob drama, or is he simply taking notes on how to dive deeper into complex, morally grey characters? Let’s explore what’s next for this versatile actor and what The Sopranos influence could mean for his next project.

David Boreanaz: A Career Built on Complex Roles

Before diving into Boreanaz’s upcoming project, it’s important to understand the breadth of his career and why he’s become one of television’s most celebrated actors. Over the years, Boreanaz has proven himself capable of handling a wide range of roles, from supernatural drama to police procedurals to high-stakes military action.

From Buffy to Angel: The Early Years

Boreanaz’s career began in the late ’90s when he was cast as Angel, the brooding vampire with a soul, in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. His performance was a perfect balance of angst, heroism, and vulnerability, making Angel one of the most beloved characters in the Buffyverse. Following Buffy, Boreanaz’s character was given his own spinoff series, Angel, where he explored darker, more morally ambiguous themes. This period was crucial in shaping Boreanaz’s ability to play characters who are flawed yet ultimately driven by a desire for redemption.

A Different Kind of Hero: Seeley Booth in Bones

After Angel, Boreanaz transitioned to a very different kind of role with Bones, where he played Seeley Booth, an FBI agent with a quick wit and a strong moral compass. In this role, Boreanaz had to balance the procedural crime-solving of the show with deeper emotional moments, especially as he partnered with Dr. Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel) in solving grisly murder cases. Bones became a massive hit, running for 12 seasons, and Boreanaz’s portrayal of Booth earned him critical acclaim for his ability to anchor the show with his charm, humor, and vulnerability.

The Intense Leadership of Jason Hayes in SEAL Team

In 2017, Boreanaz took on the role of Jason Hayes, a Navy SEAL team leader on SEAL Team. The series, which follows a group of elite military operatives as they carry out high-stakes missions, allowed Boreanaz to dive deep into the emotional and psychological toll that war and leadership can have on a person. His portrayal of Jason Hayes was both physically demanding and emotionally complex, showcasing a side of Boreanaz that hadn’t been fully explored in his previous roles. SEAL Team became a fan favorite for its gripping action sequences and the emotional depth it brought to the characters’ personal struggles, making Boreanaz’s portrayal of Jason Hayes one of his most defining performances.

Boreanaz’s New Inspiration: The Sopranos Influence

So, why The Sopranos? Why, after spending years in roles that demand intense physicality and emotional complexity, is Boreanaz watching this particular mob drama for inspiration? The Sopranos, which aired from 1999 to 2007, is widely regarded as one of the greatest TV shows of all time. Created by David Chase, the show follows Tony Soprano, a mob boss who struggles to balance the demands of his criminal empire with the needs of his family. The series is a masterclass in character development, exploring the psychological complexities of its characters, particularly Tony Soprano, played by James Gandolfini.

For Boreanaz, The Sopranos represents a new challenge: portraying a morally ambiguous character who is both a leader and a deeply flawed individual. If Boreanaz’s next project draws from The Sopranos’ exploration of complex characters, it would be a fascinating shift in direction. Rather than playing a traditional hero, Boreanaz could take on a role that delves into the grey areas of morality, power, and leadership—much like Tony Soprano did.

1. The Allure of Antiheroes

One of the defining elements of The Sopranos is its focus on the antihero. Tony Soprano is a character who commits heinous acts but is also portrayed as a person struggling with personal demons and complex emotions. This type of character is fascinating because it blurs the lines between good and bad, forcing the audience to grapple with their own feelings about morality and justice.

For Boreanaz, playing an antihero could be a natural next step. While his previous roles have often been in the realm of heroic figures—whether as Angel, Seeley Booth, or Jason Hayes—he’s demonstrated a remarkable ability to portray characters with internal conflicts. Taking on a more morally ambiguous role would allow Boreanaz to further explore the depths of his acting talent and expand his range.

2. Complex Leadership Roles

Another key aspect of The Sopranos is its portrayal of leadership. Tony Soprano is a leader in a criminal organization, but his leadership style is far from conventional. His ability to inspire loyalty, navigate treachery, and make difficult decisions is central to the show’s success. Boreanaz’s roles, particularly as Jason Hayes in SEAL Team, have often centered on leadership, but they have typically been grounded in a more traditional sense of duty and heroism. A role inspired by The Sopranos would allow Boreanaz to explore leadership in a more morally ambiguous context, dealing with power, control, and the consequences of decisions in a way he hasn’t before.

3. The Psychological Depth of The Sopranos

The Sopranos is also known for its deep exploration of the psychological struggles of its characters. Tony Soprano’s sessions with his therapist, Dr. Melfi, are a cornerstone of the series, offering viewers a glimpse into the mind of a man who is both a ruthless mob boss and a vulnerable human being. This psychological depth could be a fascinating area for Boreanaz to explore, allowing him to portray a character who is not just defined by his actions but also by the internal conflicts and traumas that shape his decisions.

Boreanaz has already shown his ability to portray emotionally complex characters, particularly with his portrayal of Jason Hayes in SEAL Team. If his next project takes inspiration from The Sopranos, it could allow him to delve even deeper into the psychological aspects of his character, exploring themes of mental health, trauma, and personal struggle in a way that resonates with audiences.

What’s Next for David Boreanaz: Speculating on His Next Role

While Boreanaz has yet to announce the full details of his next project, it’s clear that whatever role he takes on next, it will likely be a dramatic departure from his past roles. The fact that he’s watching The Sopranos so closely suggests that he’s looking to move in a direction that explores more morally complex characters, possibly with a darker edge.

1. A Mob Boss Role?

Could Boreanaz be preparing to play a mob boss or a member of a criminal organization? While this is purely speculative, the influence of The Sopranos suggests that Boreanaz could be drawn to roles that involve morally grey areas of power, crime, and loyalty. Given his proven ability to play intense, layered characters, a role in a crime drama—especially one that explores the psychological turmoil of its antiheroes—could be an exciting new chapter for him.

2. A Political Thriller or Crime Drama

Another possibility is that Boreanaz could take on a role in a political thriller or a high-stakes crime drama. Shows like The Sopranos often explore not just personal morality but also power dynamics, corruption, and the impact of leadership