Ralph Macchio is open to stepping back into the world of My Cousin Vinny—but only if Joe Pesci is part of the plan.
The Cobra Kai star, 63, revealed at PaleyFest on March 22 that he has “had conversations” about a potential reboot of the beloved 1992 comedy. While speaking with PEOPLE on the red carpet at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre, Macchio confirmed discussions have taken place, though nothing is set in stone.
“Yeah, I've had conversations with other writers about that,” he shared. “It’s such a beloved film. The key is finding the right angle.”
Macchio, who played Bill Gambini—the cousin of Pesci’s fast-talking lawyer Vinny Gambini—acknowledged that any reboot wouldn’t be complete without Pesci, now 82. Even if the legendary actor isn’t up for a full return, Macchio joked, “He could FaceTime it in.”
The original film followed the inexperienced but determined Vinny as he defended Bill and his friend Stan (Mitchell Whitfield) against a wrongful murder charge in a small Alabama town. The courtroom comedy became a fan favorite, with Pesci’s performance earning high praise and Marisa Tomei winning an Oscar for her role as Vinny’s sharp-witted fiancée, Mona Lisa Vito.
A My Cousin Vinny revival wouldn’t be Macchio’s first time revisiting a classic role. He recently wrapped six seasons of Cobra Kai, the sequel series to The Karate Kid, where he reprised his role as Daniel LaRusso.
Speaking about Cobra Kai at PaleyFest, Macchio said the show’s February finale was a fitting send-off. “Fans have told me it’s one of the best endings ever,” he said. “It felt like a big ’80s movie—hugging strangers, getting misty-eyed, and a lot of ‘F-yeah’ moments. We miss that in movies these days.”
Macchio also reflected on his Karate Kid mentor, the late Noriyuki “Pat” Morita, who played Mr. Miyagi. He believes Morita would have embraced the franchise’s expansion. “I think he’d be the first one buying the popcorn and inviting everyone over,” Macchio said. “We’ve always paid homage to his character, because honestly, we wouldn’t be here without him.”
While there’s no official word on a My Cousin Vinny reboot just yet, fans can rest assured that Macchio is ready to revisit his classic characters—if the right opportunity comes along.
Source: People