The cable channel is still mulling over 'Criminal Justice' which was supposed to be Gandolfini's starring vehicle, but has greenlit 'Sarah Silverman: We Are Miracles'.
- July 26, 2013
AceShowbiz -
James Gandolfini's sudden passing left at least one TV project in the bubble. At the TCA summer press tour, HBO admitted that it's still undecided about "Criminal Justice" which had filmed its pilot with the late actor. "Jim's passing took the wind out of our sails at HBO... but we're having conversations with [producer] Steve Zaillian about how to proceed," said producer Steve Zaillian.
While the network is still mulling over how to proceed with the project which is aimed to be a miniseries, it's highly unlikely for viewers to see Gandolfini in one of his final roles. "I can't imagine us airing the pilot with James in it," Zaillian said, making it clear that the pilot starring the "Sopranons" actor won't broadcast.
He added that should they decide to go on with "Criminal Justice", they would recast Gandolfini's role. He shared, "It's hard to think about replacing him. The conversation would be about re-shooting the scenes that Jim had already performed in and recasting going forward."
"Criminal Justice" is an adaptation the 2008 BBC series of the same title created by Peter Moffat. Gandolfini was cast as Jack Stone, a downtrodden lawyer who frequently visits police precincts to look for clients.
Meanwhile, HBO has given a go to a comedy special starring Sarah Silverman. Titled "Sarah Silverman: We Are Miracles", it was taped in Los Angeles in May with Liam Lynch serving as director, and is slated to premiere Saturday, November 23.
"Sarah Silverman is a fresh, fearless and utterly original comedy voice," HBO Programming chief Michael Lombardo said. "I'm thrilled that we can bring the humor of this unique talent to our viewers."
