Scarface — both the brilliant 1932 original and the iconic 1983 Al Pacino film — is the latest film on the remake slate, as Deadline has revealed that Universal is again planning a remake of the classic immigrant rags-to-riches gangster story. If you’re aren’t already rolling your eyes, you’re about to roll harder than The Dude Lebowski at the bowling alley.
The article claims that the new Scarface won’t be “a remake or a sequel. It will take the common elements of the first two films: an outsider, an immigrant, barges his way into the criminal establishment in pursuit of a twisted version of the American dream, becoming a kingpin through a campaign of ruthlessness and violent ambition.” Ummm… that sure sounds like the definition of a remake to me, and likely sounds like nothing but studio “spin” to ward off any criticism of yet another remake of a classic in the pipeline. But if it walks like a duck and sounds like a duck…
The 1983 version of Scarface has had incredible influence on hip hop culture (director Brian DePalma refused to release an “updated” 20th anniversary version of the 1983 film with a new soundtrack utilizing rap songs inspired by the film), so I wouldn’t be surprised if the studio was looking for an African-American lead to tap into that. That’s just speculation, but I imagine literally dozens of rappers are calling their agents right now.
Let’s face it — Universal has every right to remake its own films, especially one which was already remade once and remains wildly popular. But hasn’t Hollywood learned that remakes really aren’t lighting the box office on fire? Only remakes by out-and-out deeply respected filmmakers (like True Grit) seem to get a pass, and people still complain about those! Then again, there’s no doubt this film will make money its opening weekend even if it isn’t very good, and the soundtrack alone will probably sell millions. So can you blame Universal?
The remake-that-apparently-isn’t-a-remake will be produced by Marc Shmuger and his Global Produce banner as well as Martin Bregman (who produced the 1983 version).
Well, let us know readers — are you for or against another go at Scarface?
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