What would you want to see in a modern remake of Scarface?

Before I start, my favourite version of Scarface is the 1983 version. I loved everything about it, Giorgio Moroder's music, the characters, the miami backdrop, those neon lit colours plus the story and the political climate at the time went hand in hand. The 80s vibe was on overdrive in this movie!

I haven't seen the original 1932 ScarFace movie but from what little I've watched on YT, it doesn't seem that bad (considering its the source material) plus during the time this film was made, alocohol was prohibited (I believe) so this played a pivotal role in the 1932 movie. In 1932, Montana was selling alcohol which was illegal at the time and in the '83 version, he was selling cocaine. The real life climates fitted the character and their respected worlds perfectly!

I usually do not approve of remakes but seeing how my favourite version of ScarFace is indeed a "remake" of sorts, I'd be hypocritical to say that they shouldn't do another updated "remake" for today's generation (although personally I dont think it could ever top the 83 version - too many elements in that movie were perfectly combined - music, political climate, location, visual style etc).

So with that out of the way, this is what I think should be in the remake:

1.) POLITICAL CLIMATE: United States / Mexico tensions
The times have changed and so has the political climate in the U.S. If the remake indeed revolved around another immigrant coming to the USA and making a name for himself, then why not Mexico? Mexico is a hot topic right now in the world due to the Mexican wall situation and the notoriety that illegal drugs are being pumped into the states from south of the border. Instead of this movie being viewed as an "anti Trump" movie or as a "pro-immigrant" movie, it could simply be viewed as a movie using a contemporary political climate as the main character of the movie. The backdrop to all ScarFace films are essentially an important character to the movie. Mexico is perfect for this.

2.) LOCATION: From Mexico to U.S.A
Tony Montana arrived in a boat from Cuba. Why can't this Tony Montana arrive on his hands and knees scaling the fences, or crawling through the dirt keeping low? Or better yet, he breaks through the border patrol camp with use of help and violence from the other inmates? (A sort of reference to the riot in Freedom Town in 83 ScarFace). He uses the violent riot as cover and manages to escape into the deserts of USA along with his friend Manolo. I can't think of a place in USA where the film would take place in but it should be somewhere iconic and different than the two previous ScarFaces. Perhaps New York or San Fran ?

3.) MUSIC: HANZ ZIMMER
The music needs to be good. The music is also another character. In 83 ScarFace, Giorgio Moroder's music was mindblowing and very recognisable due to Giorgio's signature sounds. Hanz Zimmer also has a signature sound and the music should stand out in the modern remake too. It should have flavours of Mexican sounds and maybe some slight touches of synth? (A sort of light reference to 83 ScarFace but nothing in your face that makes it feel like an imitation.) Hanz Zimmer has the talent and sounds to make this work and he is good at creating iconic scores for different characters.

4.) STORY: The rise of just another unknown.
In this movie, it should focus on a Mexican by the name of Antonio Montana - a low life drug pusher for some local gangsters who report to the Cartel. During the first part of the film, we see Antonio and his best friend/fellow dealer Manolo get caught trying to scale the fence and they are kept in border patrol camp. Once they escape into USA thanks to the violent riot which breaks out, it is revealed later in the film that Tony and Manolo only escaped Mexico to build a drug empire in the states (not for money and power) but to be financially strong enough to start a crew so powerful, that they will strike back at the Cartel in Mexico. The reason for the strike back can be revealed in multiple flashbacks. Flashbacks would include Tony's pregnant wife and parents killed by a Cartel hitman for punishment and in another flashback, we can see Tony witnessing the murders and his face being slashed with the same hitman's blade. Manolo breaks into the room, kills the hitman and then Antonio and Manolo try escape to USA for protection whilst they plan their revenge. The rest of the movie focuses on them in the states, maybe NYC, rising through the ranks until they have the money and power to recruit foot soldiers for war with the Cartel. The ending needs to be inconic and stand out.

5.) Insert here anything I missed!


What do you guys think?
What would you like to see in a modern retelling of ScarFace?!
Let me know below, meng!