Danny Ramirez, known for standout roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Marvel’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, is stepping into one of cinema’s most infamous roles: Scarface. But this won’t be a retelling of Brian De Palma’s 1983 classic — instead, Ramirez is going back to the source.

Developed through his production company Pinstripes alongside collaborator Tom Culliver, the project draws inspiration from Armitage Trail’s 1930 novel, which originally birthed the character. Unlike past adaptations, Ramirez and Culliver are aiming for a grounded, contemporary reimagining that reflects today’s realities.

“We want to modernize it, adapting the original novel,” Culliver explained. “Obviously, there’s the Pacino legacy from the ’80s and the original 1932 movie, but I think it’s ripe for modernizing. Having someone like Danny in the lead is really exciting.”

For Ramirez, the role carries personal significance. After years of supporting performances, he’s eager to take on a commanding lead that allows him to channel his Colombian and Mexican heritage. “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 it,” Ramirez said. “I think in 2025, it’s more relevant now than ever.”

Because the original novel is now in the public domain, Ramirez and Culliver have freedom to develop their vision outside of Hollywood’s studio system. They’ve already secured financing and promise this won’t be a nostalgia-driven reboot. Instead, they aim to tell a fresh story that elevates perspectives long ignored by the industry.

“There’s a ton of stories — Mexican-American, Latin American, Latino — with people at the forefront who aren’t just supporting actors in somebody else’s story, but rather the protagonist,” Ramirez noted.

Still in early development, the project signals a bold new chapter for both Ramirez’s career and the Scarface legacy — one rooted less in imitation, and more in authenticity and cultural depth.