Production is officially underway on one of the most anticipated cinematic team-ups of the decade, and fans have just received their very first glimpse of the action. Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler have stepped into their iconic roles for the upcoming feature "Miami Vice ’85," with the studio dropping the first official look at the two stars in character as filming commences.
In the high-profile reboot, Jordan takes on the role of Ricardo Tubbs, while Butler steps into the shoes of Sonny Crockett. The film is based on the wildly popular and culturally defining 1980s detective television series that originally ran from 1984 to 1989. During its landmark television run, the series famously starred Don Johnson as the effortlessly cool Crockett and Philip Michael Thomas as the sharp, street-smart Tubbs. The core premise follows the two stylish police detectives as they navigate the dangerous, high-stakes world of undercover police work in the sun-drenched and perilous backdrop of Miami, Florida.
While the original series became a television phenomenon for its unique blend of gritty crime drama and avant-garde aesthetic, the new feature film boasts an expansive and star-studded ensemble cast to bring its mid-1980s world to life. Alongside Jordan and Butler, the "Miami Vice ’85" cast features a powerhouse lineup of talent, including Alden Ehrenreich, Whitney Peak, Camila Morrone, Danny Ramirez, John Leguizamo, Andrew Schulz, Edi Gathegi, Walton Goggins, André Holland, and Michael Irby.
Behind the camera, the project is being steered by blockbuster director Joseph Kosinski. Known for his keen eye for high-octane action and slick visual storytelling, Kosinski recently helmed the adrenaline-fueled racing drama "F1" as well as the monumental box office phenomenon "Top Gun: Maverick." With Kosinski at the helm, Universal Pictures has slated the film for a major theatrical release, bringing the high-velocity crime thriller to the big screen on May 19, 2028.
According to details surrounding the production, the reboot is designed to thoroughly explore the intoxicating mix of "the glamour and corruption of mid-80’s Miami." Rather than serving as a direct remake of the entire series, the film is specifically "inspired by the pilot episode and first season of the landmark television series that influenced culture and set the style of everything from fashion to filmmaking." The original show’s distinct pastel color palette, synthesis-heavy musical scores, and cinematic approach to television production famously altered the cultural landscape of the decade, a legacy that the upcoming feature film aims to capture and expand upon for a new generation of moviegoers.
The creative machinery behind the script boasts notable pedigree as well. Dan Gilroy penned the screenplay for the film, building upon the original television characters and foundational concepts created by Anthony Yerkovich. Prior to Gilroy’s contributions, Eric Warren Singer wrote an earlier draft of the screenplay, helping to shape the narrative trajectory during its early development phases. On the production side, Dylan Clark and director Joseph Kosinski are serving as producers, steering the creative vision from development to the physical set. Meanwhile, executive vice president of production development Sara Scott and creative executive of production development Christina Hoffrogge are closely overseeing the project on behalf of Universal Pictures, ensuring the film aligns with the studio’s high-tier cinematic standards.
Both leading men enter this project at the height of their respective Hollywood careers, bringing considerable momentum and critical acclaim to the production. Michael B. Jordan is fresh off a major career triumph, having won the best actor prize last year for his widely discussed work in "Sinners." Following his time patrolling the streets of Miami in "Miami Vice ’85," Jordan is slated to star in and direct "The Thomas Crown Affair," where he will share the screen with co-star Adria Arjona. Austin Butler, meanwhile, continues to solidify his status as one of the industry’s most versatile and sought-after leading men following a string of transformative dramatic performances. Butler’s next major cinematic appearance will be in A24’s upcoming feature "Enemies," where he is set to co-star alongside Jeremy Allen White.
As production moves forward in full swing, the release of the first official set photos offers audiences an initial taste of the chemistry, sartorial choices, and atmosphere that Jordan and Butler will bring to the legendary detective partnership. With a visionary director like Kosinski guiding the project, a sprawling supporting cast, and a deliberate focus on the gritty, stylish roots of the original television milestone, "Miami Vice ’85" is rapidly shaping up to be one of the definitive cinematic events of the decade when it premieres in theaters in May 2028.
