A new Scarface remake is currently in development, with MCU actor Danny Ramirez set to portray the iconic role originally played by Al Pacino. The announcement comes as Ramirez and his partner Tom Culliver seek to deliver a modernized retelling of the story through their production company, Pinstripes, revisiting the crime drama that has captivated audiences since its 1983 release.
The original Scarface, directed by Brian De Palma, is itself a remake of a 1932 film based on a novel from 1930. It chronicles Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who rises to infamy as a drug lord in Miami while battling addiction. Although initially met with mixed reviews, the film later became a defining classic in the crime genre. Ramirez, known for his role as Joaquin Torres in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will now take on Montana in this newly envisioned version.
A Fresh Vision for a Timeless Story
In a recent interview, Danny Ramirez and Tom Culliver discussed their plans for the upcoming Scarface remake, emphasizing their goal to update the material with a contemporary perspective. While honoring the legacy left by Al Pacino’s portrayal and the original films, the team is determined to base their adaptation on the original novel, aiming to bring a unique story rather than simply rehashing the past.
CULLIVER: One of the larger pieces of IP that we’re adapting at the minute is Scarface. Obviously, Danny will play Scarface. We want to modernize it, adapting the original novel. We’re independently developing it; we have some development financing in place. Obviously, there’s the Pacino legacy of it from the ’80s and then the original 1932 movie, but I think it’s ripe for modernizing, and to have someone like Danny in the lead is really exciting.
RAMIREZ: [We’ll be] developing our own IP, but also then going out and finding partners that have interesting IP that want to partner with us as creatives. But there’s also some that we’re just, with our little bit of funds, developing ourselves.
Culliver and Ramirez have expressed that this project will not be a mere remake, but a revision that speaks with its own voice. Culliver underscored their intent to approach the film with a fresh take rather than remaking it for the sake of capitalizing on an established audience. Ramirez echoed this sentiment by describing the role as a dream opportunity, especially given the character’s contemporary relevance.
CULLIVER: I think importantly on the IP thing, we’re not going to engage on something if we don’t have a totally unique, fresh way into it. You don’t want to do stuff where you’re just remaking stuff for remakes’ sake. We’re not going to do this cravenly; we have something to say with the material. There’s been too much of that in the last 20 years to just go around making remakes because you can latch onto some audience built into the IP. You’ve got to have a new story to tell within it.
RAMIREZ: Scarface, to us, is the one that it’s been a dream role to play, but also to develop it in a way that I understand. I think in 2025, it’s more relevant now than ever. So that’s where we’re excited to take this on.
Development Context and Industry Background
The Scarface property has seen attempts at revival before, most notably when Universal Pictures was attached to a reboot with Luca Guadagnino, director of Challengers (2024). Guadagnino was involved from 2020 but stepped away from the project in 2023 for reasons that remain undisclosed. This departure seemingly opened the door for Ramirez and Culliver to pursue their own independent vision.
Although financing for production has not yet been secured, the team has obtained funds strictly for the development phase. This distinction suggests that the project is still in its early stages, and its completion is not guaranteed. Regardless, Ramirez and Culliver plan to revitalize the Scarface narrative with current themes and dynamics, potentially examining Tony Montana’s immigrant background to address modern social issues.
If the film progresses beyond development, audiences can anticipate a version of Scarface that diverges from its predecessors while respecting their cultural impact. The remake aims to blend new storytelling elements with the established mythos, creating a version more attuned to today’s context.
Implications for the Legacy of Scarface and Danny Ramirez’s Career
The 1983 Scarface remains the most iconic adaptation of the story, anchored by Al Pacino’s memorable performance. With such a towering legacy, the new remake faces the challenge of delivering a fresh interpretation that resonates without diminishing the original’s significance. This project presents a notable opportunity for Ramirez to step forward as a leading actor, building on his previous supporting roles including a part in Top Gun: Maverick (2022).
As the Scarface remake continues through development, it holds potential to reignite discussions around crime dramas and immigrant narratives in Hollywood. While the timeline remains uncertain, the film’s evolution will be closely watched by fans of the original and newcomers alike, who await a modernized version of one of cinema’s most enduring characters.
