Steve Schirripa Would Have Revisited The Sopranos Universe If James Gandolfini Was Still Alive
The Sopranos has been a cultural cornerstone ever since it first aired on HBO back in 1999. Tony Soprano’s world—dominated by crime, family, and personal turmoil—became iconic, thanks in large part to the unforgettable portrayal by the late James Gandolfini. But with Gandolfini’s tragic passing in 2013, the fate of the Sopranos universe seemed sealed.
Yet, Steve Schirripa, who played the lovable but volatile Bobby “Bacala” Baccalieri, recently revealed that if Gandolfini were still alive today, he would have revisited the Sopranos world for a reunion or spin-off. Schirripa’s statement has sparked a flurry of discussion among fans, making many wonder: what would a Sopranos return look like today? Would Tony and his crew still be navigating the same old mobster dilemmas, or would they face new, contemporary challenges?
In this article, we’ll explore Steve Schirripa’s comments, dive into what a potential Sopranos revival could have looked like with Gandolfini, and discuss how the Sopranos universe could have evolved post-2013.
1. Schirripa’s Heartfelt Words on Gandolfini
Steve Schirripa’s comments about James Gandolfini are both a tribute to his late co-star and a reflection of the bond they shared on set. In interviews, Schirripa has been candid about the close friendship he developed with Gandolfini during their time on the show. For Schirripa, the idea of returning to the Sopranos universe without Gandolfini was simply unthinkable.
“I would’ve loved to revisit the Sopranos universe if Jim was still here,” Schirripa said in a recent interview. “We had a special chemistry on set, and I think fans would have loved to see us all together again, especially with Jim. He was the heart and soul of that show. Without him, it just wouldn’t be the same.”
Schirripa’s words underscore the emotional and professional importance of Gandolfini’s role in the series. Gandolfini wasn’t just Tony Soprano; he was the core around which everything else revolved. The show’s brilliance rested on his ability to portray a complex, often contradictory character that was both relatable and menacing.
2. What Would A Sopranos Revival Look Like Today?
So, what would a Sopranos revival look like if Gandolfini were still alive? The possibilities are endless, especially when you consider the state of both the world and the show’s characters at the time of its 2007 conclusion. Let’s look at a few potential directions a revival could have taken.
A New Generation of Mobsters
The world of The Sopranos is constantly evolving, and so too would the dynamics of the mob. Tony’s children, Meadow and A.J., are now adults. Could they have played a more active role in the family business, especially Meadow, who was shown to be more savvy and ambitious than her brother? Perhaps a new generation of Sopranos could have taken the helm of the crime family, with the older characters like Tony, Carmela, and Junior serving as mentors—or obstacles.
With the rise of social media, technology, and digital crime, Tony’s traditional methods of running a family business might have felt outdated. A revival would likely explore how the mob has had to adapt to the digital age, with new challenges such as cybercrime, online casinos, and the increasingly global nature of organized crime.
The Return of Tony’s Psychological Struggles
A key element of the Sopranos legacy was the exploration of Tony’s mental health. The therapy sessions with Dr. Melfi delved into his psyche and helped reveal the trauma, guilt, and confusion that weighed on him. Tony’s struggle with depression, anxiety, and his complex relationship with power made him one of the most multi-dimensional characters in television history.
If Gandolfini had returned to the role, it would have been interesting to see how Tony’s mental state had evolved over the years. Would he have sought therapy again? Would he have taken a darker path, becoming even more paranoid or delusional? Would he have finally reached a tipping point or found peace?
The psychological aspect of Tony’s character would likely have been revisited, exploring how time, aging, and family dynamics have affected his sense of self.
3. Would The Sopranos Have Had a Spin-Off?
While a revival with Tony at the center would have been the obvious choice, Schirripa also alluded to the possibility of exploring The Sopranos universe through spin-offs. In fact, the Sopranos universe has already expanded in some ways. The prequel film, The Many Saints of Newark (2021), provided insight into the younger years of Dickie Moltisanti (the father of Christopher) and the origins of the Soprano family’s rise to power.
But what if Gandolfini’s Tony Soprano had been part of a spin-off? Schirripa mentioned the idea of focusing on other characters, saying that there were many fascinating stories left to tell.
The Return of Bobby Bacala
While Tony might have been the centerpiece, characters like Bobby Bacala, Paulie Walnuts, and Silvio Dante also left a lasting impact on fans. Schirripa’s portrayal of Bobby was one of the most memorable in the series, balancing both tenderness and violence. His character arc, from being Tony’s loyal right-hand man to navigating his own family drama, could have easily been explored further in a spin-off.
Imagine Bobby as a more prominent figure in the mob, perhaps stepping up to leadership after Tony’s eventual departure. With Schirripa’s comedic timing and dramatic chops, Bobby’s journey could have been compelling and provide new layers to his character.
4. The Legacy of Tony’s Family: Carmela and the Kids
Another potential spin-off could have centered around the Soprano family members who survived the series’ conclusion. After the series finale, Carmela was left to pick up the pieces of her life. A Sopranos revival or spin-off could explore how she copes with Tony’s death and how she raises her children in the aftermath of their father’s criminal empire.
Meadow, now a lawyer, might find herself at odds with the life Tony led. A storyline focused on her professional growth, perhaps as she navigates the world of law enforcement or high-profile legal cases involving organized crime, could be both exciting and thought-provoking. Meanwhile, A.J.’s struggle with finding purpose in life—following in his father’s footsteps or breaking away entirely—would be a compelling narrative as well.
5. The Influence of The Sopranos on Modern TV
The legacy of The Sopranos extends far beyond its characters or storylines. The show reshaped the landscape of television, paving the way for more character-driven, morally ambiguous dramas. A revival would have not only revisited beloved characters but also reflected on how far television has come since its conclusion.
Shows like Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Mad Men, and The Wire owe much of their success to The Sopranos. A return to the Sopranos universe with Gandolfini’s Tony at the helm could have explored how the mob has evolved in a world of shifting social and economic dynamics.
Conclusion: A Sopranos Revival That Could Have Been
Steve Schirripa’s heartfelt thoughts on the potential for a Sopranos revival with James Gandolfini reflect not only the deep love and respect the cast had for their late co-star, but also the impact The Sopranos had on TV as a whole. While it’s impossible to predict exactly how the show would have evolved with Gandolfini, one thing is certain: a reunion or spin-off would have been a major event for TV fans everywhere.
Whether it’s through revisiting familiar characters or introducing new ones, the Sopranos universe holds an enduring legacy. And while we’ll never get to see Tony Soprano’s next chapter, the impact of his character will continue to resonate for years to come.
FAQs
1. Will there ever be a Sopranos revival without James Gandolfini?
While there have been talks of spin-offs and prequels (like The Many Saints of Newark), it’s unlikely there will be a full revival without Gandolfini. His portrayal of Tony Soprano was so central to the series’ success that any attempt to bring it back would feel incomplete without him.
