Universal’s long-gestating Miami Vice revival just took a major step forward—and it’s bringing some serious star power with it.
The upcoming reboot, now officially titled Miami Vice ’85, is gearing up as a slick reimagining of the iconic ‘80s crime saga, with Michael B. Jordan (Sinners) and Austin Butler (Dune Part II) attached as its headline duo.
While deals are still in motion, the film is expected to pair Jordan as Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs and Butler as James “Sonny” Crockett—roles made famous by Philip Michael Thomas and Don Johnson in the original NBC series, and later reinterpreted by Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell in 2006’s Miami Vice.
At the helm is Joseph Kosinski, the filmmaker behind Top Gun: Maverick and F1, signaling that this won’t be a low-key reboot. Instead, expect a glossy, high-octane take that leans into both spectacle and style—very much in line with Kosinski’s recent blockbuster sensibilities.
The new title, Miami Vice ’85, hints at a return to the franchise’s roots, likely anchoring the story firmly in the neon-soaked, crime-ridden aesthetic that defined the original show’s peak era. That lines up with earlier reports that the film will draw inspiration from the series’ early days, when undercover vice cops navigated Miami’s drug-fueled underworld.
Originally created by Anthony Yerkovich and produced by Michael Mann, Miami Vice became a cultural phenomenon in the 1980s, influencing everything from fashion to music videos. Any reboot, especially one with this level of talent attached, comes with high expectations—and scrutiny.
Production is set to start rolling on Miami Vice ’85 later this year with a release date targeted for August 6, 2027.
SOURCE: Variety
