Luca Guadagnino’s 'Scarface' Remake Cancelled According to IndieWire

2023-11-10 07:30:04

The Curtain Falls on Luca Guadagnino's 'Scarface' Remake

The highly anticipated return to the notorious world of "Scarface" that had acclaimed director Luca Guadagnino at the helm has been scrapped. He confirmed his departure with The Hindu, expressing that he is no longer involved in reimagining the classic mob drama. Guadagnino was initially reported to direct the film starting in 2020, collaborating with renowned writers Ethan and Joel Coen.

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"I’m not working on ‘Scarface’ anymore," Guadagnino stated in November 2023, casting uncertainty over the project's future.

He spoke about his general approach to adaptations, saying, "For me, when approaching any book adaptation or remake, it’s about understanding what the story carries within itself". He emphasises the value in shifting perspectives to tell timeless stories, regardless of their freshness.

History of 'Scarface'

The original "Scarface" from 1932 by Howard Hawks, adapted from Armitage Trail’s novel, received a widely celebrated makeover in 1983 under the direction of Brian De Palma. This iteration featured a script by Oliver Stone and Al Pacino's unforgettable portrayal of Cuban mobster Tony Montana. In 2020, it was announced that the Coen brothers were set to provide a fresh script set in Los Angeles. However, their current involvement, post-Guadagnino's exit, remains a question mark.

Over the years, the "Scarface" legacy has attracted various directors, including David Ayer and Antoine Fuqua, who have been linked to potential remakes. Similarly, the influential saga has sparked new projects, such as the upcoming "The Penguin" series on Max.

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Guadagnino's Vision for 'Scarface'

In 2020, Guadagnino revealed his vision for "Scarface" as a "timely take" on the intellectual property. He defended the concept of remakes in cinema, stressing that they’ve always been an integral part of the art form, intended to reflect the current zeitgeist. He described his version of 'Scarface' as a reflection on themes of excess and ambition that are indicative of the American dream.

At the 77th Venice Film Festival, he talked about the significance of the storyline surpassing individual cinematic interpretation, regarding it as an expansive concept that goes beyond any one director.

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Guadagnino shared his fascination with the character Tony Montana, whom he views as symbolic of the American dream, underscoring that movies like "Scarface" are reimagined to resonate with their respective eras.

Other Projects in the Pipeline

Most recently, Luca Guadagnino directed the tennis-centered drama "Challengers," featuring Zendaya and Josh O’Connor. Its premiere was initially set for the 2023 Venice Film Festival but has been postponed to April 2024 because of industry labor disputes.

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As for his other endeavors, Guadagnino has successfully completed filming the adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ "Queer" starring Daniel Craig, which is now looking ahead to its release.

Watch Luca Guadagnino discuss 'Scarface' at the Venice Film Festival

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