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.