The future of James Gandolfini's new shot, "Criminal Justice," is uncertain following the actor's death in Italy, HBO programming chief Michael Lombardo said.

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The cable television network ordered seven episodes of the series, which was to star Gandolfini as a jailhouse attorney, but the actor's death of cardiac arrest at age 51 last month has left the project in limbo, the Los Angeles Times said.

"Jim's passing took the wind out of our sails at HBO. It's taken some time to be able to have that conversation," Lombardo said Thursday at the Television Critics Association about whether the network will go forward with "Criminal Justice" by recasting Gandolfini's part.

Lombardo said HBO would not air the pilot Gandolfini already shot.

The actor is best known for his work on the TV show "The Sopranos." He also appeared in the films "Mr. Wonderful," "True Romance," "Get Shorty," "The Mexican" and "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone."