‘Miami Vice’ reboot to star Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler and their roles transport fans to the 80s
A long-brewing big-screen take on ‘Miami Vice’ finally has some updates for fans. The project now carries the title ‘Miami Vice ’85’, and after months of back-and-forth, Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler are officially on board to headline the film. The update, first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, confirms that both actors have closed their deals. They will step into the shoes of two of television’s most recognizable undercover cops. Jordan is set to take on Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs, while Butler will portray James “Sonny” Crockett. Those roles were originally made famous by Philip Michael Thomas and Don Johnson in the classic NBC series that aired through the 1980s.
The upcoming movie will rewind the clock to the mid-1980s and draw inspiration from the early days of the TV show, especially its pilot and first season. That approach already sets it apart from Michael Mann’s 2006 film adaptation, which starred Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell and opted for a more contemporary tone. This new version is going all-in on a period setting, which means viewers can expect vintage cars, analog tech, and that unmistakable Miami glow. Behind the camera, Joseph Kosinski is calling the shots. He’s coming off a strong run, having directed ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and ‘F1: The Movie’. In fact, Kosinski plans to shoot ‘Miami Vice ’85’ using IMAX cameras, aiming for a big, immersive look.
Moreover, Universal Pictures has already set a release date, with the title scheduled to air on August 6, 2027. That gives the production a decent runway, as filming is expected to begin later this year. The script comes from Dan Gilroy. He worked from characters created by Anthony Yerkovich, the mind behind the original series. An earlier version of the screenplay was written by Eric Warren Singer, so the project has gone through a few creative iterations before reaching its current form.
Production duties are being handled by Dylan Clark alongside Kosinski, with several experienced names involved behind the scenes to keep things on track. Plot details are under wraps for now, but the main premise isn’t going anywhere. The film will follow two undercover Miami police officers and their unit as they navigate the city’s crime scenes, going after criminals and keeping the streets in check. With a high-profile cast, a director who knows how to handle big productions, and a clear vision of a specific time period, the film has all the ingredients it needs to stand out. Whether it lives up to that promise is something viewers will have to wait and see, but for now, the pieces are falling into place.
