James Gandolfini

LOS ANGELES -- James Gandolfini's tragic death still weighs heavily on the minds of HBO executives.

"Jim's passing took the wind out of our sails quite a bit," said HBO president Michael Lombardo.

"The Sopranos" star had shot scenes for the highly anticipated series, "Criminal Justice." Lombard said the pilot will be reshot and that they are in talks to recast his role.

In other HBO news from the TV critics press tour:

"Treme" will return Dec. 1 for its final five episodes.

David Milch has written a feature-length script based on a William Faulkner novel. No word yet on if or when it might be shot.

HBO is considering another season of "Family Tree," although Lombardo admitted the numbers for the first season were not as robust as they had hoped.

"Eastbound and Down" may be wrapping up, but the show's creator Danny McBride and Jody Hill aren't entirely leaving HBO. Execs said the duo are developing an idea that revolves around high school life.

"Hello Ladies," a new sitcom about a sap trying to pick up women in L.A., stars and is written by Stephen Merchant. So why is his regular writing partner RIcky Gervais not on board? Merchant says Gervais has had the same girlfriend since he was 20, so the dating world is alien to him.

Larry David's upcoming HBO film, "Clear History," feels a lot like a long "Curb Your Enthusiasm" -- and that's a good thing. David said he wasn't thinking about using the material for another season of "Curb." Rather, he just wanted to try making a movie. When I asked him what was the future of "Curb," he said he really didn't know. "Ask me in six months." Don't worry; we will.

David Bradley is enjoying a moment. Up until now, he's been best known as the sadist janitor in the "Harry Potter" films. But this year is turning into something different. He's got a juicy role in BBC America's very promising mini-series "Broadchurch." He also plays the original Dr. Who in "An Adventure in Time and Space," a look at the making of a TV legend. But he struck pop-culture gold with his small, but pivotal role in the "Game of Thrones" episode simply known as "The One With the Red Wedding." His character ends up killing off several major characters.

"It's amazing how it's generated all these emotions," Bradley said. "I've enjoyed every moment of it. Actually, I've enjoyed it rather too much."

Coming up next: Notes and notions from a party celebrating 50 years of "Dr. Who."