The stylish world of 1980s Miami undercover cops is returning to the big screen. Actors Austin Butler and Michael B. Jordan are in early talks to star as the iconic detective duo in a new Miami Vice movie from Universal Pictures.
This fresh take on the classic television series will be directed by Joseph Kosinski, the filmmaker behind Top Gun: Maverick. The project aims to recapture the original show’s unique blend of action, fashion, and atmosphere, exploring the glamour and corruption of mid-1980s Miami.
The New Detective Partnership
Austin Butler is in early talks to play the role of James “Sonny” Crockett, the charismatic undercover detective originally made famous by Don Johnson. Michael B. Jordan is similarly in discussions to portray Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs, Crockett’s partner, a role originated by Philip Michael Thomas.
This pairing would bring together two of Hollywood’s most prominent young actors. Butler gained widespread acclaim for his Oscar-nominated role in Elvis and recently played the villain Feyd-Rautha in Dune: Part Two. Jordan is known for his powerful performances in the Creed series and Black Panther. While both actors are engaged with the project, official deals have not yet been finalized.
A Return to the 1980s Source
Unlike Michael Mann’s 2006 film adaptation, which was set in a modern context, this new Miami Vice movie will be a period piece. The film is specifically inspired by the show’s pilot episode and first season, which first defined its unique style.
The official logline describes the film as set to “explore the glitz and corruption of mid-’80s Miami.” It will draw from the landmark television series that profoundly influenced 1980s culture, from its pastel-heavy fashion to its filmmaking style. The story begins when New York City cop Ricardo Tubbs travels to Miami to find his brother’s killer. There, he crosses paths with local detective Sonny Crockett, who is investigating the same drug dealers. The two ultimately team up, forming a powerful partnership.
The Creative Team Behind the Camera
Director Joseph Kosinski has a proven track record of handling beloved properties, having successfully revived the Top Gun franchise with the massively popular Top Gun: Maverick. His involvement signals a high-profile, cinematic approach to the material.
The script for the film has been written by Dan Gilroy and Eric Warren Singer. Kosinski is producing the adaptation with Dylan Clark, who previously worked on The Batman. The film is based on characters created by Anthony Yerkovich from the original series, which was executive produced by Yerkovich and Michael Mann.
Production Schedule and Release
Fans will need to wait a bit for this stylish comeback. Production on the movie is scheduled to begin in 2026. Universal Pictures has already set a theatrical release date for August 6, 2027.
The film is planned for a release in IMAX, promising a large-scale and immersive experience. This production timeline allows for the complex schedules of its in-demand stars and director.
The Legacy of Miami Vice
The original Miami Vice television series, created by Anthony Yerkovich, premiered on NBC in September 1984 and ran for five seasons. It quickly became a cultural touchstone for the decade, as famous for its characters’ pastel suits and sock-free fashion as for its gritty storytelling.
Michael Mann, who served as executive producer on the series, later directed a feature film adaptation in 2006 starring Colin Farrell as Crockett and Jamie Foxx as Tubbs. In a past interview, Mann highlighted the original show’s groundbreaking nature, stating, “The ambition of the show was to break the form of everything that had come before.”
This new film aims to bring that same groundbreaking spirit to a new generation, revisiting the sun-drenched, neon-lit streets that first captivated audiences over forty years ago.
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