Director Joseph Kosinski is set to bring a new version of the iconic television series Miami Vice to the big screen, with Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler taking on the legendary roles of James "Sonny" Crockett and Ricardo "Rico" Tubbs. The film, currently titled Miami Vice '85, is scheduled for release on August 6, 2027.
A return to the 1980s
According to reports from Variety, the upcoming movie is "inspired by the pilot episode and first season" of the groundbreaking NBC police drama that originally aired from 1984 to 1990. The series, which starred Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas, became a cultural phenomenon, influencing fashion, music, and filmmaking styles. The new film aims to capture the essence of the original while bringing a fresh perspective to the story.
The script, penned by Dan Gilroy, known for his work on Nightcrawler and Andor, will explore "the glamour and corruption of mid-80s Miami." This setting promises to deliver the same neon-lit, synthwave aesthetic that made the original series so visually distinctive.
Joseph Kosinski's vision
Kosinski, who previously directed Top Gun: Maverick and the upcoming F1, is known for his commitment to practical effects and immersive filmmaking. In a recent interview with Postmedia, he emphasized the importance of authenticity in action sequences. "Audiences appreciate it when it's done for real," he said. "There's nothing like capturing something completely in camera, especially when it comes to a sport like Formula 1."
For Miami Vice '85, Kosinski plans to shoot using IMAX cameras and rely heavily on practical effects. He will also be working closely with his actors to ensure that the action feels genuine. This approach mirrors his work on F1, where stars Brad Pitt and Damson Idris trained for months to drive race cars during real Grand Prix weekends.
"You can't fake that," Kosinski added. "There's something about practical, real photography that makes it feel more real and makes the story resonate more."
Michael B. Jordan's Oscar win and next projects
This role marks Jordan's first since winning the Best Actor Oscar for his performance in Sinners in March. He is also set to star in and direct a reimagining of The Thomas Crown Affair. Speaking at CinemaCon earlier this month, Jordan shared his excitement for the project. "I've been daydreaming of making this movie for years," he said. "I saw the 1999 Thomas Crown Affair when I was around 9 years old. It was a guy that was smart, sophisticated, and always three steps ahead."
Jordan also expressed admiration for Steve McQueen's 1968 original, noting that "McQueen brought this effortless cool, this rebellious edge. He didn't just steal. He made a statement."
Austin Butler's upcoming roles
Before stepping into the role of Crockett, Butler will be seen opposite Jeremy Allen White in A24's Enemies. Butler gained critical acclaim for his portrayal of Elvis Presley in the 2022 biopic Elvis, and his involvement in Miami Vice '85 has generated significant buzz among fans of the original series.
The legacy of Miami Vice
The original Miami Vice series ended its television run in 1990, but it was later adapted into a 2006 film directed by Michael Mann, who executive-produced the original series. That film starred Colin Farrell as Crockett and Jamie Foxx as Tubbs. Now, nearly two decades later, Kosinski's reboot promises to bring a new generation of viewers into the world of South Florida detectives.
With a talented cast, a visionary director, and a script that honors the source material, Miami Vice '85 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of 2027. Fans of the original series and newcomers alike can look forward to a stylish, action-packed return to the neon-lit streets of Miami.
