Joseph Kosinski’s Miami Vice movie finally has a title – Miami Vice ’85 – and Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler have officially signed on to play Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs and Sonny Crockett after long circling the project in negotiations.
The movie version of the iconic 1980s TV series is inspired by the police show’s pilot episode and first season and is set for a release by Universal Pictures on August 6, 2027.
Unlike Michael Mann’s 2006 Miami Vice movie that starred Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell, Miami Vice ’85 will be a period film – set in the mid-1980s.
The Cast – Jordan and Butler as Iconic Duo
| Actor | Role | Original Portrayer |
|---|---|---|
| Austin Butler | James “Sonny” Crockett | Don Johnson |
| Michael B. Jordan | Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs | Philip Michael Thomas |
Both actors had been circling the project for some time before officially signing on.
Michael B. Jordan
| Recent Work | Upcoming Projects |
|---|---|
| Sinners (Ryan Coogler) | The Thomas Crown Affair (direct, star, produce for Amazon MGM) |
| Black Panther franchise | — |
| Creed III (also directed) | — |
Jordan is represented by 1v1 Entertainment and WME.
Austin Butler
| Notable Roles | Upcoming Projects |
|---|---|
| Elvis Presley in Elvis (Oscar nomination) | Enemies (A24 crime thriller) |
| Dune: Part Two | — |
| The Bikeriders | — |
| Masters of the Air | — |
Butler is represented by WME and Brillstein.
The Title – ‘Miami Vice ’85’
The title Miami Vice ’85 explicitly signals the film’s period setting. The choice distinguishes it from the 2006 Michael Mann film, which was contemporary to its release.
| Film | Year Released | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Miami Vice (2006) | 2006 | Contemporary (2000s) |
| Miami Vice ’85 | 2027 | 1980s period piece |
The film is inspired by the pilot episode and first season of the original NBC series, which ran from 1984 to 1990.
The Director – Joseph Kosinski’s Hot Streak
Joseph Kosinski is coming off directing back-to-back blockbusters :
| Film | Star | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Top Gun: Maverick | Tom Cruise | Massive hit (2022) |
| F1: The Movie | Brad Pitt | Upcoming |
Kosinski will shoot Miami Vice ’85 with Imax cameras , much as he did with F1 and Top Gun: Maverick. The use of Imax cameras suggests a visually spectacular approach to the glamour and corruption of mid-’80s Miami.
Kosinski is represented by CAA and Untitled Entertainment.
The Creative Team
| Role | Name | Notable Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Joseph Kosinski | Top Gun: Maverick, F1 |
| Producer | Dylan Clark | The Batman, Bird Box |
| Producer | Joseph Kosinski | — |
| Screenwriter | Dan Gilroy | Nightcrawler, The Bourne Legacy |
| Previous draft | Eric Warren Singer | American Hustle, Top Gun: Maverick |
| Based on characters by | Anthony Yerkovich | Creator of original TV series |
| Executive producer (original) | Michael Mann | Also directed 2006 film |
Dan Gilroy penned the script based on characters created by Yerkovich from the series he executive produced with Mann.
The Original Series – A Cultural Phenomenon
Miami Vice began life as the Anthony Yerkovich-created TV series about two undercover Miami police officers known for their love of pastel suits , designer stubble, and sleek sports cars.
| Original Series Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Network | NBC |
| Run | 1984-1990 |
| Creators | Anthony Yerkovich (executive produced with Michael Mann) |
| Original Crockett | Don Johnson |
| Original Tubbs | Philip Michael Thomas |
| Signature aesthetic | Pastel suits, neon lights, Jan Hammer music |
The show was a massive cultural phenomenon, influencing fashion, music, and television storytelling. Its success paved the way for other stylized police dramas.
The 2006 Film – A Different Approach
The 2006 Miami Vice film, directed by Michael Mann (who executive produced the TV series), starred:
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Colin Farrell | Sonny Crockett |
| Jamie Foxx | Ricardo Tubbs |
That film was contemporary – set in the 2000s – and had a grittier, more realistic tone than the pastel-soaked TV series.
Miami Vice ’85 is explicitly returning to the 1980s setting , embracing the period aesthetic that made the original iconic.
Production and Release Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Production start | 2026 (this year) |
| Release date | August 6, 2027 |
| Distributor | Universal Pictures |
The August 2027 release date positions Miami Vice ’85 as a summer blockbuster , competing for audience attention in one of the year’s most competitive slots.
What to Expect – Pastels, Cars, and Imax
Kosinski has described the film as exploring the glamour and corruption of mid-’80s Miami. Expect:
| Element | Likely Approach |
|---|---|
| Visual style | Imax cameras, vibrant colors, neon lights |
| Fashion | Pastel suits, linen jackets, sunglasses |
| Vehicles | Ferrari Testarossa, speedboats |
| Music | 1980s soundtrack (possibly new score in period style) |
| Tone | Action, style, undercover tension |
The combination of Kosinski’s visual flair, Jordan and Butler’s star power, and the nostalgic appeal of the Miami Vice brand could make this one of the most anticipated films of 2027.
A New Generation of Vice
Miami Vice ’85 brings together an impressive team: Joseph Kosinski (director of Top Gun: Maverick), Michael B. Jordan (franchise star and director), and Austin Butler (Oscar-nominated for Elvis). The film returns the iconic property to its 1980s roots , embracing the pastel suits, neon lights, and undercover action that made the original a cultural phenomenon.
Production begins this year, with a release date of August 6, 2027 from Universal Pictures. Fans of the original series – and of stylish action cinema – have a lot to look forward to.
As the Hollywood Reporter notes, Kosinski will shoot the film with Imax cameras , much as he did with Top Gun: Maverick and F1. That alone promises a visual spectacle worthy of the Miami Vice name.
The pastels are back. The vice is back. And in 2027, so is Miami Vice.
