'Human Centipede 3' Role Was First Offered to 'Sopranos' Lead James Gandolfini, Not Eric Roberts

When the VOD and theater release of Human Centipede 3 was announced, critics were surprised by the film's lead. They wondered how a pro such as Eric Roberts, a onetime Oscar nominee, could star in such a film. While the Roberts casting was surprising, there would have been an even bigger buzz regarding the movie were James Gandolfini still around. Apparently Human Centipede's movie runners were looking to bring Gandolfini into the project as its star.

The movie's director, Tom Six, said he was going to bring Gandolfini in as the governor.

"James Gandolfini, we approached him as well for the role of governor," says Six. "I had James Gandolfini in mind and Eric Roberts. I was talking to them both. But when James Gandolfini read the script he was a little bit hesitant. Yeah, he backed off, and then he died, of course."

Roberts says he was thrilled to be in the movie. He stars alongside Dieter Laser from the first Human Centipede, Laurence R. Harvey from Human Centipede 2, Tommy Lister, Robert LaSardo and adult-film actress Bree Olsen. Six says Roberts was the perfect choice for the movie because of his "all-American" film record.

"I was looking for an all-American actor with a great face," says the director. "We approached him, and he loved the Human Centipede films, and we Skyped together, and he got the script, and he wanted to do it immediately."

Gandolfini died at the age of 51 back in June 2013. His sudden death was during a vacation in Rome, Italy. In a few short days Gandolfini was headed to Sicily to recieve an award at the Taormina Film Festival. An autopsy report found Gandolfini tragically passed due to a heart attack.

Do you think James Gandolfini would have been the perfect choice as the Governor in Human Centipede 3?

The Human Centipede 3 premier was such an unbelievable and unforgettable event! Thank you so much @tom_six

— Sebastian Columbine (@MsColumbine) May 19, 2015