Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino Reveal Why Reprising Romy and Michele Was "Nerve-Wracking"

More than two decades after they first donned their pastel ensembles and lip-synced their way into pop culture history, Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino are reuniting as Romy and Michele. But stepping back into the shoes of their iconic characters was not without its challenges.

The stars caught up with PEOPLE exclusively during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, on Friday, August 14, where they revealed that reprising their roles for the upcoming sequel was a surprisingly nerve-wracking experience.

Kudrow, 63, who portrays the lovably ditzy Michele Weinberger, admitted that she initially feared she would struggle to authentically recapture the essence of her character. "I was very nervous," the star confessed. "[I was thinking], 'Oh no — am I just imitating Michele? Because that's the fear sometimes with revisiting [roles].'"

Sorvino, 58, who plays the equally endearing Romy White, echoed her co-star's sentiments. "The first day it was like, 'Wait, am I just imitating things Romy used to do or say? … And then eventually it was like, 'Yeah, Romy's back. She's using my skin suit,'" Sorvino said with a laugh.

The pair's candid admission highlights the unique pressure that comes with revisiting beloved characters decades later. For fans who have memorized every line and mannerism from the 1997 cult classic, the stakes are high. Yet, for Kudrow and Sorvino, the process ultimately became a natural reclamation of the characters they helped create.

When asked about their enduring on-screen chemistry, the duo, who have remained close friends for nearly three decades, were quick to joke about their compatibility. "I mean, I have so many silly things. It's like, well, we're both tall," Kudrow quipped, before adding more earnestly, "I think Mira's super smart."

Sorvino returned the compliment, praising her friend's intellect and comedic genius. "I think she's super smart. Oh, my gosh. She was going to the doctor. And she liked acting better," Sorvino said, referencing Kudrow's pre-acting career path. "And you speak Chinese and went to Harvard!" Kudrow replied, highlighting Sorvino's own impressive academic credentials.

The mutual admiration was palpable as Sorvino reflected on their friendship, revealing that she often turns to Kudrow for advice. "I come to Lisa for advice. She's an incredibly sage, brilliant person. And she's funny, thoughtful, and just a great person," Sorvino shared. "And Lisa's also the funniest woman. I mean, Lisa is our premier comedian. She really is."

Kudrow added that their bond has remained strong over the years. "We've kept in touch for real," she said, underscoring that their connection extends far beyond the silver screen.

The pair first debuted their now-iconic roles in 1997's Romy and Michele's High School Reunion. The film, directed by David Mirkin and written by Robin Schiff, follows the fashion-obsessed best friends as they attempt to impress their former classmates at their 10-year high school reunion. Featuring memorable appearances by Janeane Garofalo, Alan Cumming, and Justin Theroux, the movie achieved cult status almost immediately and is widely regarded as a defining comedy of its era.

Reflecting on the film's continued legacy, Sorvino expressed her amazement at its lasting impact. "People dress up as us for Pride, for Halloween … babies, dogs," she told PEOPLE. "We've become part of the fixture of American life. I'm really honored. I'm so happy that something we did together actually means something to a lot of people for a variety of reasons."

Kudrow shared a heartwarming anecdote that illustrated the film's enduring connection with fans. "I had a couple of women actually come up to me [when I was] having lunch and just leave a piece of paper with a pink pen repeating 20 lines from the movie written all over front and back. I thought that was extraordinary," she recalled.

The sequel, which was officially announced by 20th Century Studios on June 8, is being directed by Tim Federle, with Schiff returning to pen the script. The film is set to be released exclusively on Hulu, bringing Romy and Michele's unique brand of friendship, fashion, and hilarious misadventures to a new generation of viewers.

As fans eagerly await the return of the beloved duo, it is clear that Kudrow and Sorvino's partnership remains as strong as ever. Their shared history, mutual respect, and genuine affection for one another shine through both on and off the screen. For Sorvino, reprising the role felt like coming home. "Romy's back. She's using my skin suit." And judging by the excitement surrounding the sequel, audiences are ready to welcome her with open arms.