Carlito set for new outing

Universal pictures has announced it is to make a prequel to its blockbuster Carlito's Way, over ten years after the first film hit the screen.

17:19 18 October 2004

Universal pictures has announced it is to make a prequel to its blockbuster Carlito's Way, over ten years after the first film hit the screen.

In 1993 the film was a huge success with Al Pacino taking the title role as legendary gangster Charlie "Carlito" Brigante.

However, the lead in the new film will be taken by Jay Hernandez, who is currently starring in fire-fighter drama Ladder 49.

Set in the 1960s, Carlito's Way: The Beginning will focus on the legendary Puerto Rican gangster's rise through Harlem's criminal underworld of drugs, pimping, gangs and the mob.

It is also expected that Sean "P Diddy" Coombs and Mario van Peebles will feature in the film.

Written and directed by Martin Bregman, the prequel will feature only one member of the original movie's cast, Luis Guzman playing Cuban assassin Nacho.

Universal has announced the new picture following its recent decision to scrap its plans for American Gangster, which would have starred Denzel Washington.

That film was deemed to be too expensive and ran into difficulties when the studio parted company with director Antoine Fuqua.