It appears a director has been found for Universal Pictures’ latest remake of 1932 gangster classic, SCARFACE. The original Howard Hawkes film starred Paul Muni and was based on Chicago bootlegging mob boss Al Capone. It was later adapted by Oliver Stone into the iconic 1982 effort starring Al Pacino, directed by Brian DePalma and inspired by the rise of cocaine kingpin Pablo Escobar.
Universal are said to be in final talks with British director David Yates to helm their latest attempt, which has undergone numerous script rewrites – the latest by END OF WATCH’s David Ayer and rumoured to have the story transported to Mexico, with a focus on the notorious drug cartels. It will not be a remake of either film but a contemporary rise of a low-level hoodlum in pursuit of the American Dream and in keeping with the main plot of both previous classics.
Yates directed the final four HARRY POTTER films but was also responsible for gripping and thought-provoking television dramas STATE OF PLAY and SEX TRAFFIC.
We’ll keep you posted as the project begins casting.
Source: Deadline
