Carlito's Way the intention of getting a Carlito film made. First thing on the list was to get a script written that would portray Carlito Brigante's world and provide a suitable showcase for Pacino's talents. David Koepp had just finished writing the script for Bregman's forthcoming "The Shadow" when producer Michael S. Bregman suggested him to write the script for "Carlito's Way". The decision came that the screenplay would be based on the second novel "After Hours". Carlito at this stage would match closer with Pacino's age. Although based primarily on the second novel, the title "Carlito's Way" remained, mainly because of
Carlito's Way legal technicality exploited by his close friend and lawyer, Dave Kleinfeld. Carlito vows to be through with his criminal activities but is persuaded to accompany his young cousin Guajiro to a drug deal held at a bar. Guajiro is betrayed and killed by his suppliers and Carlito is forced to shoot his way out. Later, Carlito takes Guajiro's $30,000 from the botched deal and uses it to buy into a nightclub owned by a gambling addict named Saso with the intention of saving $75,000 to retire to the Caribbean. As nightclub co-owner, Carlito declines several offers for a business partnership