Potential new directors named for Scarface remake

Say hello to some possible new talent behind the camera on the upcoming remake of ‘Scarface.’

Universal’s new take on director Brian De Palma’s ultra-violent 1983 cult classic starring Al Pacino – which was itself a remake of the 1932 Howard Hawks film of the same name – has had a slightly troubled development, as original director Antoine Fuqua (director of 2016 remake ‘The Magnificent Seven’) recently pulled out of the project, in order to make a sequel to 2014 thriller ‘The Equalizer.’

However, according to The Hollywood Reporter there are two key contenders to take over on the movie: David Mackenzie, director of acclaimed 2016 thriller ‘Hell or High Water,’ and Peter Berg, most recently director of Boston Marathon bombing drama ‘Patriots Day.’

Mackenzie would seem to be the hotter pick at this point in time, given the level of praise ‘Hell or High Water’ has garnered, particularly the film’s four Oscar nominations including Best Picture and Best Actor for Jeff Bridges – although, alas, no Best Director nomination for Mackenzie.

It’s also reported that Mackenzie has previously expressed interest in the ‘Scarface’ job, but was originally passed over in favour of Fuqua.

Actor-turned-director Berg, meanwhile, is far more experienced shooting big-budget event movies (very much the plan for ‘Scarface,’ which the studio have lined up for a summer 2018 release). However, his CV is a bit hit-and-miss, including Will Smith superhero movie ‘Hancock,’ Dwayne Johnson action flick ‘The Rundown’ AKA ‘Welcome to the Jungle,’ and sci-fi blockbuster misfire ‘Battleship.’

In addition, some intriguing details have come to light about this new take on ‘Scarface.’ For one, renowned filmmaking siblings Joel and Ethan Coen are said to have done some work on the script. Furthermore, the premise has been updated in a manner which feels very timely indeed: rather than centring on a Cuban immigrant in Miami, this new film’s protagonist will reportedly be a Mexican in Los Angeles.

Universal has penciled ‘Scarface’ in for release on 10 August 2018, so presumably we can expect confirmation of a new director sooner rather than later.

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