Robert De Niro steps into HBO miniseries role played by the late James Gandolfini

HBO says Robert De Niro will step into a project that was thrown into question by the death of James Gandolfini.

HBO said Wednesday that De Niro is taking on the role of a New York City attorney handling a murder case in the miniseries "Criminal Justice."

Gandolfini had played the attorney in the pilot episode. The star of "The Sopranos" died in June at age 51 after suffering a heart attack.

"Criminal Justice" was one of Gandolfini's last projects. Another is the film "Enough Said," which is now in theaters.

An air date for "Criminal Justice" hasn't been announced.