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‘I wrote The Sopranos to get over my mother wishing me dead’: David Chase on his mob masterpiece
Will the great TV writer ever top his mega hit? He talks us through his new series about the CIA’s attempts to weaponise LSD – and reveals why James Gandolfini called him ‘Satan’
TL;DR
- David Chase created The Sopranos after leaving network television, seeking more creative freedom.
- HBO Max launched with significant promotion, including tributes to The Sopranos.
- Chase's inspiration for The Sopranos' premise came from his strained relationship with his mother.
- He recounts difficulties with James Gandolfini, who played Tony Soprano, and how he managed those challenges.
- Chase expresses disappointment over a previously planned limited series about early cinema that was passed on by HBO.
- His new project will focus on the CIA's MKUltra program and the weaponization of LSD, exploring the scientists involved and the nature of reality.
- Chase believes the legacy of The Sopranos is 'God is in the details'.