Will "Sopranos" Ever Hit Big Screen?

the sopranos

Thanks, we’ve had enough.

Rumors about a film based on the critically acclaimed show “The Sopranos” have been swirling since even before it ended. Creator David Chase has never actually said no…though he hasn’t said yes. There have been whispers that the only thing holding up the production of the film is star James Gandolfini’s reluctance to go back to his career-making character Tony Soprano.

Don’t tell that to Lorraine Bracco, the series’ Dr. Melfi. She told the New York Daily News that she didn’t think that was true and that she was sure all Gandolfini was doing was waiting for the right script. Furthermore, she said that many cast members have talked to David about getting the movie going, giving him “a kick in the booty to get it right.”

If Gandolfini is the one holding up the film, then he’s smart and should stick to his guns. He doesn’t need to go back to the role and the series. He’s had a great year, starring in the Broadway hit “God of Carnage,” and appearing in a number of films, including the well-received “In the Loop.” And when you have a property that has been so praised, such as is the case with “The Sopranos,” you can only go downward. Any big screen version is likely to be lesser than a good episode of the show and will diminish it.

As for other major cast members (those who were still alive)–Edie Falco’s career is going fine, with “Nurse Jackie” on Showtime. I would bet that Jamie Lynn-Sigler feels she’s gone as far as she wants to with her character and the kid (Robert Iler) probably isn’t even going to continue acting (that’s the problem of casting kids in shows with long runs–sometimes as they grow up you discover they’re not actors). Stevie Van Zandt has the Springsteen gig. Chase is working on a new series.

I’m guessing that those cast members who have talked to Chase are all secondary types. You know, the minor mobsters who will never have it as good again as they did with the Sopranos. And Lorraine Bracco, who’s never seemed to be able to capitalize on any of the successes in her career. I know that sounds harsh but I think it’s true.

So let’s hope this is one rumor that stays a rumor.

“I don’t think it’s that at all,” says Bracco about Gandolfini’s supposed cold feet. “I think it’s really trying to get the right script. Without the right script, it’s really not worth doing.”