Miami Vice '85 starring Michael B. Jordan & Austin Butler: Cast and new title officially announced
The release date and initial plot details have already been revealed
Now it's official: "Sinners" star Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler have been confirmed for the new "Miami Vice" movie. At the same time, the reboot from "Top Gun: Maverick" director Joseph Kosinski has been given a new title that already reveals the story's setting: "Miami Vice '85".
Here's what Miami Vice '85 is about
This makes one thing clear: we're heading back to the '80s! According to initial reports, the film's plot will be based on the pilot and the first season of the original series. The focus will be on the corruption and glamour of 1980s Miami.
The cast of Miami Vice '85
Oscar winner Michael B. Jordan will take on the role of Ricardo "Rico" Tubbs. In the cult series, the character was played by Philip Michael Thomas. In Michael Mann's 2006 film adaptation of the same name, Jamie Foxx portrayed Tubbs. His partner James "Sonny" Crockett has previously been played by Don Johnson and Colin Farrell – Austin Butler will now follow in their footsteps.
When will the film be released?
The script comes from "Nightcrawler" director Dan Gilroy, who most recently won an Emmy Award for his work as a writer on the "Star Wars" series "Andor." "F1" director Kosinski is shooting "Miami Vice '85" for IMAX. According to insider sources, the film's budget was recently approved by executives. Media reports indicate that filming is set to begin later this year, presumably in the fall of 2026. The release date for the Universal film has already been set: "Miami Vice '85" will hit theaters on August 6, 2027.
The cult series from the '80s
The film is based on the legendary 1980s series "Miami Vice," which was co-developed and stylistically shaped by Michael Mann. The show was far more than a classic cop series: with its iconic soundtrack, pastel-colored suits, and visual style that was revolutionary at the time, it redefined an entire decade of television. The stories of undercover cops Sonny Crockett and Rico Tubbs combined crime plots with an almost music-video-like style – a trademark that continues to resonate today.
Miami Vice (2006): Michael Mann's first film adaptation
In 2006, Michael Mann returned to the source material with the film version of "Miami Vice." The film, starring Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx, adopted a significantly more realistic, dark tone and largely dispensed with the pop-cultural glamour of the series. Instead, it features digital night imagery, a sober look at the drug trade, and an almost documentary-like approach. Although the film polarized audiences upon its release, it is now regarded as a stylistically influential work in modern crime cinema.
Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan, one of the most sought-after actors of his generation, is now taking on the role of Rico Tubbs. Jordan became world-famous through films like "Creed" and "Black Panther" and also demonstrated his talent as a director with "Creed III." He also played an early role in the HBO series "The Wire" and starred in "Fruitvale Station."
Most recently, Jordan delivered a standout performance in "Sinners." For Ryan Coogler's film, he won an Academy Award. Another remake is on the horizon for Jordan: In "The Thomas Crown Affair," he will take on a leading role alongside Adria Arjona – and will also direct the film.
Austin Butler
Jordan's on-screen partner will be Austin Butler, who has been considered a Hollywood star at least since his Oscar-nominated performance in "Elvis." Butler also delivered a standout performance in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." His performance in "Dune 2" also remains memorable.
Director Joseph Kosinski
Director Joseph Kosinski has established himself in recent years as a specialist in visually stunning blockbuster cinema. His debut with "Tron: Legacy" was followed by productions such as "Oblivion" with Tom Cruise and the global hit "Top Gun: Maverick." Most recently, he directed the Formula 1 film "F1" starring superstar Brad Pitt.
With this combination of an iconic source material, modern star power, and a director with a flair for grand visuals, the odds are good that "Miami Vice '85" will not only tap into nostalgic feelings but also redefine the brand for a new generation. So we can look forward to seeing what awaits us in theaters in August 2027.
