The Sopranos changed television forever, setting a gold standard for storytelling and complex characters. When the documentary Wise Guy was announced, fans expected a deep dive into every aspect of the show’s legacy—including The Many Saints of Newark, the much-debated prequel film. But surprisingly, the documentary completely ignored it. Was this an oversight, or was it intentional? Turns out, there’s a good reason for this omission—and it actually benefits the legacy of The Sopranos.
The Sopranos Documentary: What Is Wise Guy?
A Tribute To A TV Masterpiece
Wise Guy is a documentary that explores The Sopranos from its groundbreaking debut in 1999 to its shocking finale in 2007. Featuring interviews with cast members, creators, and industry insiders, it offers fresh insights into what made the show iconic.
David Chase’s Influence
Series creator David Chase’s vision was a major focal point. His commitment to authenticity, character development, and narrative depth is widely recognized. The documentary praises his work but deliberately avoids discussing The Many Saints of Newark—which he also wrote.
Why The Prequel Was Ignored
A Controversial Reception
When The Many Saints of Newark hit theaters in 2021, it was met with mixed reviews. While some fans appreciated the return to the world of The Sopranos, others felt it failed to capture the original’s magic. The documentary’s creators likely wanted to avoid a divisive topic that could overshadow the celebration of the series.
Keeping The Focus On The Original Series
Wise Guy was designed to honor The Sopranos without distractions. Including discussions about a prequel film—especially one that wasn’t universally loved—might have diluted its message.
Respecting James Gandolfini’s Legacy
James Gandolfini’s portrayal of Tony Soprano was irreplaceable. While his son, Michael Gandolfini, played young Tony in the prequel, the film struggled to match his father’s iconic performance. Rather than compare the two, Wise Guy chose to focus entirely on James Gandolfini’s legendary work.
How The Omission Strengthens The Sopranos’ Legacy
Preserving The Show’s Mystique
One of The Sopranos’ greatest strengths was its ambiguity—especially in its infamous final scene. By avoiding the prequel, the documentary preserves that mystery, allowing fans to remember the story as it was originally told.
Avoiding Unnecessary Debate
Discussing The Many Saints of Newark would have likely opened the door to controversy. Rather than rehashing old arguments, the documentary chooses to keep the spotlight on what truly matters—the series itself.
Ensuring A Timeless Tribute
By excluding the prequel, Wise Guy ensures that it remains a timeless documentary about The Sopranos. Future generations can watch it without needing to revisit a film that might not stand the test of time.
What Fans Are Saying
Mixed Reactions
Some fans were surprised by the omission, while others saw it as a smart move. Social media discussions have debated whether Wise Guy should have at least acknowledged the prequel, but the general consensus leans towards appreciation for its focused storytelling.
A Wise Decision?
In hindsight, the decision to leave out The Many Saints of Newark might be one of the smartest choices made by the documentary’s creators. It keeps the conversation centered on the brilliance of The Sopranos rather than revisiting a polarizing chapter.
Final Thoughts
Wise Guy made a conscious decision to exclude The Many Saints of Newark, and it was the right call. Instead of getting bogged down by debates over a divisive film, the documentary keeps its eyes on the prize—celebrating The Sopranos for what it was: one of the greatest television series of all time.
FAQs
1. Why didn’t Wise Guy mention The Many Saints of Newark?
The documentary focused on celebrating The Sopranos and likely wanted to avoid discussing the divisive prequel, which had mixed reviews.
2. Does this mean The Many Saints of Newark isn’t considered part of The Sopranos canon?
Not necessarily. While it expands on Tony Soprano’s backstory, its omission suggests that the documentary wanted to preserve the show’s original legacy.
3. Was David Chase involved in Wise Guy?
Yes, Chase contributed insights to the documentary, but he also avoided bringing up The Many Saints of Newark—further indicating a deliberate omission.
4. Will there be another Sopranos prequel or sequel?
There have been rumors, but nothing official. Given the mixed reception of The Many Saints of Newark, HBO may be hesitant to greenlight another project.
5. Is Wise Guy worth watching for fans of The Sopranos?
Absolutely! It’s a deep, insightful tribute to the legendary show, offering fans a chance to relive its brilliance without distractions.
