Get ready to dust off those pastel jackets and slip on the loafers, because Miami Vice is making a comeback in a big way. Austin Butler and Michael B. Jordan are in early talks to star in Universal Pictures’ highly anticipated reboot of the iconic ’80s crime drama, and honestly, this casting news has everyone buzzing.
Butler is eyeing the role of James “Sonny” Crockett, the character originally made famous by Don Johnson, while Jordan is in discussions to portray Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs, the smooth-talking detective brought to life by Philip Michael Thomas in the original series. If these deals close, we’re looking at one of the most exciting on-screen partnerships in recent memory.
What makes this Miami Vice movie even more intriguing is the talent behind the camera. Joseph Kosinski, the director who breathed new life into legacy franchises with Top Gun: Maverick and recently wrapped F1, is taking the helm. The guy clearly knows how to handle big-budget projects while keeping things fresh and innovative.
Speaking of fresh approaches, this version will actually be set in the 1980s, unlike the 2006 Michael B. Jordan predecessor directed by Michael Mann, which starred Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx in a contemporary setting. According to the official logline, the film will explore “the glamour and corruption of mid-80s Miami” and is “inspired by the pilot episode and first season of the landmark television series that influenced culture and set the style of everything from fashion to filmmaking.”
The timing couldn’t be better for both Austin Butler and Jordan. Butler has been on an absolute tear since his Oscar-nominated performance as Elvis Presley, following it up with memorable turns in Dune: Part Two and Darren Aronofsky’s Caught Stealing. Meanwhile, Jordan continues to be one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, fresh off his latest projects Sinners and Creed III.
Universal has already staked out an August 6, 2027, release date, with production expected to kick off next year. That gives fans plenty of time to mentally prepare for seeing these two powerhouses rock those iconic ’80s looks. The film will even be shot for IMAX, promising a truly immersive experience.
While no deals are officially signed yet, insiders suggest things are moving in the right direction. With Eric Warren Singer and Dan Gilroy penning the script, and Kosinski’s proven track record with established IP, this Miami Vice reboot might just be the perfect blend of nostalgia and modern filmmaking that audiences have been craving.
