NEW YORK - When cast members of "The Sopranos" convene Thursday to read through scripts for the HBO series' final season, none of the major players will be missing.
The same may not be said at the end of the season, of course.
HBO reached contract deals with Tony Sirico and Steven Van Zandt late last week, HBO spokeswoman Tobe Becker said Wednesday. They were the last remaining major cast members not to be signed. She would not reveal terms of the deals.
Sirico plays Paulie Walnuts, who had to deal last season with news that his beloved mom may not really be his mother. Rock star Van Zandt portrays marble-mouthed Silvio Dante, close confidant to Tony Soprano.
"The Sopranos" concluded its most recent season in June, getting mixed reviews from critics and seeing its ratings decline.
The eight final episodes will begin airing in January.
