Mexican-born writer Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer has been tapped to rewrite Universal Pictures’ new, original take of “Scarface,” TheWrap has exclusively learned. Additionally, “Training Day” director Antoine Fuqua, who previously left the film, has returned.
Previous drafts of the film were written by white, American writers David Ayer, Jonathan Herman and Joel Coen & Ethan Coen — which could have opened up “Scarface” to charges of cultural insensitivity. The new film will reimagine the the 1932 “Scarface” — and the 1983 Brian DePalma version, which starred Al Pacino as Cuban refugee Tony Montana — as the story of a Mexican drug lord in Los Angeles.
Dunnet-Alcocer, originally from Queretaro, Mexico, is best known for writing the English-language adaptation of “Miss Bala” for Sony. He wrote and directed “Contrapelo,” which was shortlisted for the Academy Awards after premiering to rave reviews at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival.
Fuqua left “Scarface” in 2017, but re-entered negotiations to direct last month. Now his deal is closed, an insider told TheWrap.
Executive Vice President of Production Jon Mone and Vice President of Production Jay Polidoro will oversee the project for Universal, with Dylan Clark producing through his Dylan Clark Productions banner. Scott Stuber will executive produce with Martin Bergman, producer for the 1983 “Scarface.” Vice President of Production Brian Williams will oversee on behalf of Dylan Clark Productions. “Scarface” will be a reimagining of the core immigrant story told in both the 1932 and 1983 films. The new film will be set in Los Angeles.
Earlier this week, The Tribeca Film Festival announced that 1983’s “Scarface” is set for a 35th anniversary screening, followed by conversations with the film’s director Brian DePalma and cast including Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer.
Dunnet-Alcocer is represented by WME and Bloom Hergott.