The Many Saints of Newark arrived in cinemas in October 2021 as one of the most anticipated films of the year. As a prequel to the legendary HBO series The Sopranos, fans had sky-high expectations. The film explores a young Tony Soprano growing up in 1960s Newark while witnessing the rise and fall of his uncle, Dickie Moltisanti. In 2026, new viewers continue to discover this crime drama on streaming platforms. This guide covers everything about the cast, plot, box office performance and where to watch it today.
What Is The Many Saints of Newark About?
The film is set against the backdrop of the 1967 Newark riots. This period saw intense racial tension that set the city ablaze. The story follows Dickie Moltisanti (Alessandro Nivola), the father of The Sopranos character Christopher Moltisanti. Dickie serves as a mentor and father figure to young Tony Soprano (Michael Gandolfini), who idolises his uncle.
The title translates from Italian to English as “many saints”. A significant subplot involves Harold McBrayer (Leslie Odom Jr.), Dickie’s African-American henchman. After the race riots, Harold leaves the Italian clan to form his own criminal gang. This creates lethal conflicts between the two groups.
The film is narrated by a deceased Christopher Moltisanti. His voiceover provides context and connection to the original series. This narrative device links the prequel directly to the events fans know from the HBO show.
The Many Saints of Newark Cast
The film features an impressive ensemble cast of established and rising stars.
Alessandro Nivola plays Dickie Moltisanti, the charismatic uncle and mentor to young Tony. Michael Gandolfini plays young Tony Soprano, portrayed by the son of the late James Gandolfini. Leslie Odom Jr. plays Harold McBrayer, Dickie’s ambitious associate who breaks away to form his own crew.
Jon Bernthal appears as Johnny Boy Soprano, Tony’s father and Dickie’s brother. Vera Farmiga plays Livia Soprano, Tony’s manipulative mother. Ray Liotta delivers a memorable performance in a dual role as both Hollywood Dick and his twin brother Salvatore “Sally” Moltisanti.
The supporting cast includes Corey Stoll as Corrado “Junior” Soprano, Billy Magnussen as Paulie Walnuts, and John Magaro as Silvio Dante. Michela De Rossi plays Giuseppina Moltisanti, Dickie’s young Italian wife.
Director Alan Taylor, who helmed multiple episodes of The Sopranos, returned to the franchise for this feature film. David Chase, the creator of The Sopranos, co-wrote the script with Lawrence Konner.
Release Date and Runtime
The Many Saints of Newark was released in cinemas on 1 October 2021 in the United States. It arrived in UK cinemas on 24 September 2021. The film also streamed simultaneously on HBO Max for 31 days following its theatrical debut.
The movie has a runtime of 2 hours (120 minutes). It carries an R rating in the US and a 15 rating in the UK for strong violence, pervasive language, sexual content and some nudity.
Box Office Performance
The Many Saints of Newark performed modestly at the box office. The film earned $8.2 million domestically and approximately $4.8 million internationally. The worldwide total reached $13 million. This figure fell well below its $50 million production budget.
The film opened with $4.7 million across 3,181 theatres in its first weekend. This represented 56% of its total domestic gross. In the UK, the film earned £2.75 million. The Covid-19 pandemic and simultaneous streaming release on HBO Max likely impacted its theatrical earnings.
Critical Reception: Mixed Reviews
The Many Saints of Newark received mixed reviews from critics and fans alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 71% approval rating from critics and a 59% audience score. Some praised the film’s style, performances and deconstruction of the gangster drama. Others felt it was overstuffed with callbacks and references to the original series.
AV Club wrote that “when it’s focusing on the brutality and ugliness of its world, The Many Saints of Newark is something remarkable.” However, the same review noted that the script often “gets way too cute with its winking references to the show.”
One harsh reviewer described the film as “a hodgepodge of cameos by younger versions of the TV series characters superimposed over a laughably shallow narrative.”
Ray Liotta’s Final Gangster Role
The film marked one of Ray Liotta’s final gangster roles before his death in May 2022. Liotta delivered a praised performance in a unique dual role. He played both Dickie’s father, Hollywood Dick, and his twin brother Salvatore, who has a significant presence in the film.
Critics highlighted that Liotta added “some class” to the film and was “more believable than all of the rest of the cast.” His performance in the film serves as a fitting tribute to the legendary actor.
How to Watch The Many Saints of Newark in 2026
The Many Saints of Newark is available on multiple platforms. In the UK, the film streams on Sky Cinema and NOW. It is also available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.
In the US, the film is available on Max (formerly HBO Max) as part of the Warner Bros. library. Physical media options include Blu-ray, DVD and 4K Ultra HD editions. The Blu-ray release includes special features such as deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes featurettes.
Should You Watch It Before The Sopranos?
Fans strongly disagree on viewing order. One reviewer warned: “You shouldn’t watch this prequel before the series, because the narrator repeatedly refers to events in the series.” The film contains spoilers for the original show.
Most Sopranos fans recommend watching the full series first. Then treat the film as supplementary material. The film adds context to Tony’s upbringing and sets the scene for many storylines that appear later in the show.
Why The Many Saints of Newark Is Still Trending in 2026
The Many Saints of Newark continues to generate interest for several reasons. The Sopranos remains one of the most beloved TV series of all time. Fans are always hungry for more content from that universe. Streaming platforms have introduced the film to new audiences who discovered the show after 2021. The film’s exploration of Newark’s racial history keeps it relevant in cultural discussions. Additionally, the legacy of James Gandolfini, honoured through his son’s performance, continues to draw viewers.
Whether you love it or find it disappointing, The Many Saints of Newark offers Sopranos fans a rare glimpse into Tony Soprano’s formative years. It may not reach the heights of the series, but it expands a universe that fans never wanted to leave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is The Many Saints of Newark a prequel to The Sopranos?
Yes. It tells the story of a young Tony Soprano growing up in 1960s Newark under the influence of his uncle Dickie Moltisanti.
Who plays young Tony Soprano?
Michael Gandolfini, the son of the late James Gandolfini, plays the young Tony Soprano.
Is Ray Liotta in The Many Saints of Newark?
Yes. He plays a dual role as both Hollywood Dick and his twin brother Salvatore Moltisanti.
Where can I watch The Many Saints of Newark?
In the UK, it streams on Sky Cinema and NOW. In the US, it streams on Max.
Is The Many Saints of Newark worth watching?
Opinions vary. Sopranos fans will find value in the performances and backstory, but some find it disappointing compared to the original series.
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