The Sopranos Creator David Chase Explores CIA MKUltra Experiments In New HBO Series

by

As a huge fan of The Sopranos, I’m incredibly excited to hear that David Chase is returning to HBO with a new show! It’s about the CIA’s MKUltra experiments, and honestly, it already sounds amazing. The Sopranos was such a groundbreaking show – it totally changed television, kicked off this incredible era of quality TV we’re in, and inspired so many storytellers to create complex, flawed characters. I have high hopes this new series will be just as impactful.

Since then, Chase hasn’t been able to recapture the magic of his earlier work. His first feature film, Not Fade Away, didn’t gain much attention, and a planned miniseries, A Ribbon of Dreams, never got off the ground. Even his return to the world of The Sopranos with the prequel film The Many Saints of Newark received a lukewarm reception.

Sopranos Creator David Chase Is Making An MKUltra Show For HBO

HBO is partnering with Chase to create a new limited series called Project: MKUltra. The show will explore the CIA’s troubling past with mind control experiments. MKUltra was a secret program from the mid-1900s where the CIA used harsh methods – including torture, hypnosis, and drugs – in an attempt to force confessions from people.

The CIA reportedly created this controversial method to defend against brainwashing tactics employed by the Soviet and Chinese governments. Because the operation was clearly unlawful, it has remained largely hidden from the public. Now, Chase aims to revisit this dark period in American history and adapt it into a compelling TV series.

Chase is writing a TV series inspired by John Lisle’s book, Project Mind Control, which details the story of Sidney Gottlieb and the CIA’s MKUltra program. Gottlieb, a highly controversial chemist and spy, will likely be the main character in the adaptation.

The MKUltra Experiments Will Allow Chase To Double Down On The Sopranos’ Weirdness

Many elements contributed to the brilliance of The Sopranos, including its fantastic actors, dark humor, and realistic depiction of mafia life. However, what truly made it unique was its dreamlike quality, featuring unexpected comedic moments and bizarre dream sequences.

Tony had a bizarre dream where Lee Harvey Oswald shot at him. While sick with food poisoning, he hallucinated that a dead fish at the market was used by his friend to tell him something. Chase’s upcoming show, Project: MKUltra, promises to be as strangely captivating as The Sopranos, telling a story about the CIA’s experiments with mind-altering drugs.

Read More

2025-10-25 00:27