Training Day writer David Ayer will be penning the new Scarface film. The iconic movie about a Cuban refugee’s violent rise through the cocaine-fueled ’80s is actually a remake of a 1932 film. The actor who made the drug kingpin famous, however, is Al Pacino in Brian De Palma’s 1983 movie. This new version of the cult classic promises to take inspiration from both the original and Pacino’s film, set in modern day. Ayer spoke to Deadline about the announcement. “There are enough opportunities in the real world today that provide an opportunity to do this right. If it was just an attempt to remake the 1983 film, that would never work,” he shared.
The news brings us one step closer to finding out who will be directing the redux of the classic crime movie — a piece of cinema with pretty big shoes to fill, if only because of its pop cultural relevance. It’s not impossible, though. Werner Herzog pulled it off with his retelling of Bad Lieutenant in 2009. Whether Universal goes with a big name director or someone looking to cut their teeth remains to be seen. For now, place your bets on director possibilities below.