James Gandolfini’s ‘Big Dead Place’ Revived at HBO
Late actor was set to co-executive produce adaptation of the Nicholas Johnson memoir in 2011
Reid Nakamura | January 21, 2016 @ 4:26 PM
Last Updated: January 21, 2016 @ 4:56 PM
James Gandolfini‘s “Big Dead Place,” the HBO drama the actor was developing before his death, has been revived with a new director-executive producer attached, TheWrap has learned.
“The Sopranos” and “Boardwalk Empire” director Tim Van Patten will direct and executive produce the HBO adaptation of Nicholas Johnson’s memoir, which was originally put into development in 2011.
Set in Antarctica, “Big Dead Place” documents Johnson’s time working for the U.S. Antarctic Program and the effects that staying in a remote, frozen area for extended periods of time had on his psyche.
Gandolfini was developing the project with “Breaking Bad” producer Peter Gould and was eyed to star, before his sudden death in 2013. He will share the executive producer credit with Van Patten.
James Gandolfini's Most Memorable Roles (Photos)
"The Sopranos"
Though Tony Soprano wasn't Gandolfini's first role, it certainly catapulted him into the national consciousness; he forced audiences to find the good in a guy who did bad, bad things, whether they wanted to sympathize with him or not.
"Killing Them Softly"
In the 2012 crime thriller "Killing Them Softly," Gandolfini played New York hitman Mickey Fallon.
"In the Loop"
Though often cast as anti-authority characters, the satirical black comedy "In the Loop" found him playing Lieutenant General Miller, senior military assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Defense.
"The Mexican"
Gandolfini starred alongside Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts in "The Mexican," about the pursuit of an antique gun.
"Get Shorty"
Gandolfini was among the heavy-duty cast of the 1995 crime caper "Get Shorty," starring alongside John Travolta, Gene Hackman and Danny DeVito.
"The Incredible Burt Wonderstone"
"The Incredible Burt Wonderstone," released earlier this year, found Gandolfini working his comedic chops.
"Crimson Tide"
The submarine thriller "Crimson Tide" found Gandolfini acting alongside Hackman again, as Lt. Bobby Dougherty.
"The Man Who Wasn't There"
The Coen Brothers film "The Man Who Wasn't There" paired Gandolfini with Billy Bob Thornton and Frances McDormand.
"The Last Castle"
Gandolfini once again played an authority figure in "The Last Castle," as a prison commandant.
"Zero Dark Thirty"
Tony Soprano, CIA Director? "Zero Dark Thirty" found Gandolfini as a head of the spy agency in the 2012 film about the hunt for Osama bin Laden.
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James Gandolfiini was best known for playing gruff but likeable mob figure Tony Soprano on "The Sopranos," but he was more than just a wiseguy with a surprisingly cuddly interior
"The Sopranos"
Though Tony Soprano wasn't Gandolfini's first role, it certainly catapulted him into the national consciousness; he forced audiences to find the good in a guy who did bad, bad things, whether they wanted to sympathize with him or not.
