We always knew the “Scarface” remake was coming, with Universal developing the project for a few years now. But we weren’t expecting Pablo Larrain to be the one to bring this new vision of gangsterism to the multiplex.
The Wrap reports that the filmmaker, mostly known to arthouse types for movies like “Tony Manero,” “Post Mortem” and last year’s acclaimed “No” starring Gael García Bernal, is in negotiations to direct “Scarface” with a script by “Donnie Brasco” scribe Paul Attanasio. It’s certainly a major step up for Larrain whose previous films were modest in size and scope, with the director now set to work on the biggest canvas of his career, jumping right into the Hollywood machine. It can be a tough leap for any filmmaker, so here’s hoping Larrain’s journey is relatively smooth. However, he is a pretty inspired and exciting choice to take this one, when it could so easily be cranked out by a filmmaker with less vision and chops.
As for the redo, it will tell the tale of a new Tony [last name to be determined], with the trade confirming reports from a couple of years back that the lead will be a Mexican character, following his rise in Los Angeles. Casting is still early in the game, but apparently producers are “open to casting a complete unknown in the name of authenticity.” Which is kind of interesting or hilarious considering neither Brian De Palma‘s film or Howard Hawks‘ could be described as “authentic.” They were big pieces of pulp, though it’s entirely possible Universal wants a different vision, and the hire of Larrain perhaps suggests that.
So consider us intrigued about something we sorta didn’t have much interest in before. Well played, Universal.
Thank you for this! Can not wait
This is it. The first step to remaking films of the crime drama. I won't be shocked if they are to do the Godfather and Goodfellas in the next few years.
I think that even if it is a remake it stands a chance. The subject is very adaptable to any time period as long as they stay true to its basic themes: the pursuit of the American dream (or simply success) and the realization of that dream's darker sides. They have a talented director so it's a step in the right direction. They just need to keep the characters at the heart of the story.
Cool. I've never believed that the 83 Scarface is a classic. It's a good movie, but I'd love to see a fresh take on it, especially by a passionate filmmaker like Larrain. His movie NO is incredible. I know reboots are annoying, but I'll see this. Especially if they get someone like Oscar Isaac or Edgar Ramirez to play Tony.
This sounds awesome! NO was great and a re-imagining of Scarface seems exciting.
this is great!
Tom Hanks for Scarface!!!! (Buckwheat Groat anyone?)
Memo To Young Movie Producers, Directors and Writers…
YOU should be doing a lot of WORK to counter this type of unoriginal, insipid and uninspiring remake crapola… Put more quality stuff on YouTube please (if you reasonably charge for it, I'll pay and continue to do so if the work is consistently *ambitious* and well done)… Capture and post-production in HD/5.1 so I can pump it through my HDTV and killer audio components. I believe this is the future of what we now call "film"making, and I'm all for it.
I'm done with Hollywood crap for more than $15 per ticket in a conventional theater. I wanna passively experience something new that completely blows my mind (passively, because I still enjoy the concept of 2D cinema and don't need all the "immersive" contemporary gimmicks… A good, compelling story, well told, and shot with verve will do just fine). Thanks!!
I think that sounds pretty damn cool. That movie NO was amazing. If done right, this could be great… even if it's a reboot.
Screw these remakes.