The gangster tale “Scarface” has already seen two iconic versions. Of course, there’s Howard Hawks‘ classic 1932 picture, and then Brian De Palma‘s explosive 1983 version. Both tracked the rise and terrible fall of some very bad dudes, and made an imprint on the genre that is still felt today. Can it happen a third time? Universal is hoping so.
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The studio has been developing a reimagining of “Scarface” for a few years now, with directors like David Yates (a bunch of “Harry Potter” movies and “Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them“) and Pablo Larraín (“No“; would’ve killed to see him take it on) attached at various points. Now Deadline reports that Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day,” the upcoming “The Magnificent Seven” remake) is in negotiations for the gig.
Previous drafts had been written by Paul Attanasio (“Donnie Brasco,” “Quiz Show“) and David Ayer (“Suicide Squad,” “Fury“), with word a while back that the story would feature a Mexican kingpin and the story set amongst the drug cartels. The latest draft for the movie comes from Jonathan Herman (“Straight Outta Compton“) and will be set in contemporary Los Angeles, though I suppose there’s still plenty of potential for cross-border intrigue.
This is apparently a priority project for Universal, but no word on when it might shoot. But we’re sure Fuqua will have more to say as he gears up to promote “The Magnificent Seven,” which opens on September 23rd.