The Sopranos Cast Reflects on Show's Legacy and Unrealized Potential

Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa discuss the possibility of a Sopranos revival and how the show's themes resonate today.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:57pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering, reflective glass shards in dramatic studio lighting, conceptually representing the lasting glamour and cultural significance of the acclaimed television series The Sopranos.The Sopranos' enduring legacy is reflected in the show's lasting impact on popular culture, from fashion to dialogue, as fans continue to celebrate its iconic status.NYC Today

In a new interview, The Sopranos stars Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa reflect on the groundbreaking TV series' enduring legacy and the discussions that emerged over the years about a potential revival or prequel. They share insights into the show's cultural impact, the challenges of protecting on-set secrets, and how the characters' immigrant backgrounds could have influenced their political views in today's climate. The cast's reunion in 2024 to celebrate the 25th anniversary was bittersweet without the late James Gandolfini, leaving fans to wonder what could have been if the iconic series had continued.

Why it matters

The Sopranos remains one of the most influential and culturally significant television shows of all time. Exploring the show's lasting impact and the what-ifs surrounding a potential revival or continuation provides insight into the enduring appeal of this groundbreaking mob drama and how its themes and characters could resonate with modern audiences.

The details

Michael Imperioli, who played Christopher Moltisanti, reveals that discussions about a Sopranos revival emerged as early as 2012, five years after the show's conclusion. The idea of a prequel was also considered, but the actors' ages made it impractical. Imperioli recalls the late James Gandolfini's skepticism about wearing wigs and girdles to appear younger. Gandolfini's untimely death at 51 ultimately put an end to any reunion plans. Steve Schirripa, who portrayed Bobby 'Bacala' Baccalieri, shares that Gandolfini might have been open to a reunion for the right price and script, but without him, it didn't feel right. The show's success also brought extreme measures to protect on-set secrets, with the fate of Adriana, Christopher's girlfriend, being filmed twice to keep the press in the dark.

  • Discussions about a Sopranos revival emerged as early as 2012, five years after the show's conclusion.
  • The cast reunited in 2024 to celebrate the show's 25th anniversary, with the absence of Gandolfini and Tony Sirico deeply felt.

The players

Michael Imperioli

The Emmy-winning actor who brought Christopher Moltisanti, Tony's troubled nephew, to life on The Sopranos.

Steve Schirripa

The actor who played Bobby 'Bacala' Baccalieri on The Sopranos.

James Gandolfini

The late actor who portrayed the iconic character of Tony Soprano on The Sopranos.

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What they’re saying

“The idea of a prequel was even floated, but the actors' ages made it impractical. Imperioli recalls Gandolfini's humorous skepticism about wearing wigs and girdles like in Star Trek.”

— Michael Imperioli, Actor

“Gandolfini's untimely death at 51 put an end to any reunion plans. Steve Schirripa shares that Gandolfini might have been open to a reunion for the right price and script. However, without him, it didn't feel right.”

— Steve Schirripa, Actor

What’s next

The future of a 30th anniversary celebration for The Sopranos remains uncertain as the cast ages, but fans can look forward to the Imperioli and Schirripa's Talking Sopranos UK tour, which offers a chance to relive the magic of the iconic series.

The takeaway

The Sopranos has left an indelible mark on popular culture, becoming a comfort food for many despite its dark themes. The show's exploration of the American Dream through the lens of immigrants offers a thought-provoking perspective that could resonate strongly in today's political climate. While a revival or continuation of the series remains uncertain, the cast's reflections on the show's legacy and unrealized potential highlight the enduring appeal of this groundbreaking television masterpiece.