HBO Develops David Chase’s Series on Covert CIA Program ‘Project: MKUltra’
David Chase, the acclaimed creator of The Sopranos, is working on a new limited series titled Project: MKUltra for HBO. This project marks his return to television after the success of his groundbreaking mob drama.
Overview of Project: MKUltra
Project: MKUltra is based on the non-fiction book Project Mind Control: Sidney Gottlieb, the CIA, and the Tragedy of MKUltra, authored by John Lisle. Chase has secured the rights to adapt this work, which will be produced under his production company, Riverain Pictures, as part of a first-look deal with HBO.
Historical Context
The series will explore the controversial and secretive MKUltra program developed by the CIA during the 1950s and 1960s. This initiative aimed to counteract the perceived threats posed by Soviet and Chinese mind control techniques.
Key Figures
The central character of the series will be Sidney Gottlieb, a chemist often referred to as The Black Sorcerer. He led the MKUltra operations, which included administering psychedelic drugs and engaging in hypnosis and other psychological techniques without the informed consent of participants.
Production Team
- David Chase – Creator and writer
- Nicole Lambert – Executive producer and Head of Production and Development at Riverain Pictures
Chase’s Accomplishments
David Chase has won seven Emmy Awards, including five for The Sopranos, which starred the late James Gandolfini. After concluding the series in 2007, he shifted his focus to films, with notable works including Not Fade Away (2012) and The Many Saints Of Newark (2021).
Future Projects
Chase also has plans for upcoming indie films and has contributed to a pilot related to witness protection for FX, which stars Alison Brie. His recent involvement includes participation in HBO’s 2024 documentary titled Wise Guy: David Case and the Sopranos.
Conclusion
Project: MKUltra promises to be an intriguing exploration of a dark chapter in CIA history, showcasing the creative vision of David Chase. Fans can look forward to this dramatic retelling of an infamous program that has long fascinated historians and the public alike.
