Robert De Niro takes lead TV role in new crime series

Robert De Niro will replace the late James Gandolfini in HBO’s Criminal Justice.

14:21 26 September 2013

Following the passing of James Gandolfini, Robert De Niro has been appointed to replace The Soprano’s star in the upcoming HBO mini-series Criminal Justice.

The double Oscar winner will take the lead role of the seven-episode stretch, which is an American adaptation of the hit 2008 BBC series of the same name by Peter Moffat.

De Niro’s appointment was confirmed by HBO on September 25 to The Hollywood Reporter. HBO’s mini-series version will be initially directed by Steven Zaillian while Moffat will be the executive producer. Others are expected to step in as director as the series progresses.

HBO initially declined the project in February this year but reconsidered the pilot episode in May. However, the series was put on hold again when Gandolfini, 51, passed away in June following a heart attack in June. Other stars include Bill Camp, Riz Ahmed, Payman Maadi, and Poorna Jagannathan.

The show will focus on the life of Jack Stone (De Niro), a small-time injury-claims lawyer as he defends a young man accused of murdering a girl in New York’s Upper West Side. HBO is yet to confirm as to when the pilot episode will air.