James Gandolfini was set to return to HBO in a miniseries called “Criminal Justice,” but the star’s sudden passing has thrown the project back into limbo.
The network that made Gandolfini a household name ordered a pilot for the show in September and then passed on the project, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Two months ago, however, HBO reversed course and ordered seven hourlong episodes of the crime drama based on the 2008 BBC show of the same name.
In the BBC version of the show written by Peter Moffat, each 5-episode season followed an individual as they made their way through the justice system.
Emmy-winning Gandolfini was slated to star as Jack Stone, a down-on-his-luck jailhouse attorney.
With Gandolfini’s passing the future of the show is once again up in the air.
In addition to the HBO crime drama, Gandolfini was also slated to executive produce the Canadian comedy “Taxi-22” for CBS.
“We’re all in shock and feeling immeasurable sadness at the loss of a beloved member of our family,” HBO said in a statement Wednesday.
“He was special man, a great talent, but more importantly a gentle and loving person who treated everyone, no matter their title or position, with equal respect. He touched so many of us over the years with his humor, his warmth and his humility. Our hearts go out to his wife and children during this terrible time. He will be deeply missed by all of us.”
Gandolfini won three Emmy Awards during the six-season run of “The Sopranos,” the show widely credited with starting the so-called “Second Golden Age of Television.”