Austin Butler, Michael B. Jordan Star in Miami Vice Reboot

The 80s Are Calling: Austin Butler & Michael B. Jordan Set to Heat Up Miami Vice Reboot

Hollywood's obsession with 80s nostalgia continues to burn bright, with the latest blockbuster announcement sending waves of excitement through pop culture circles. Director Joseph Kosinski, fresh off the high-octane success of Top Gun: Maverick and F1, is officially developing a big-screen reboot of the iconic TV series Miami Vice, and the casting choices are turning heads. In early talks to lead the charge are two of the industry's most dynamic talents: Austin Butler as the legendary undercover detective James "Sonny" Crockett, and Michael B. Jordan as his partner Ricardo "Rico" Tubbs.

Reimagining the Iconic Duo

Speaking at the Hamilton Behind the Camera Awards, Kosinski expressed his enthusiasm for the potential pairing, stating, "Michael is someone I’ve admired for a long time, [and] always wanted to work with him. Austin, I think, is proving himself as someone to watch. Again, I’ve just have really admired his choices. If it ends up being those two, I’d be very lucky." This public endorsement from a director known for high-concept, visually driven action adds significant weight to the casting rumors.

"If it ends up being those two, I’d be very lucky." - Joseph Kosinski, Director

The decision to anchor the reboot with Butler and Jordan represents a bold and intriguing choice. Butler, fresh off his Oscar-nominated, transformative performance as Elvis Presley, has demonstrated an uncanny ability to embody larger-than-life figures with intensity and charisma. His casting as Crockett, the role originally defined by Don Johnson's cool, laid-back charm, suggests a fresh, potentially grittier take on the character. Jordan, coming off powerful turns in Black Panther and Creed III, brings undeniable star power and dramatic depth to Tubbs, previously played by Philip Michael Thomas with a unique flair.

A Full-On 1985 Return

Kosinski didn't just stop at casting; he also dropped a crucial detail confirming the film's setting: "the film takes place in 1985." This places the reboot directly in the heyday of the original series, the period that defined its signature style and cultural impact. The director teased that the look would be "full on," promising a visually immersive experience that captures the vibrant, neon-drenched, and often dangerous glamour of mid-80s Miami.

Universal Pictures first revealed Kosinski's Miami Vice project back in April 2025, setting an ambitious release date for August 6, 2027. The official logline emphasizes the reboot's focus on exploring the "glamour and corruption of mid-80’s Miami," explicitly stating it is "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." This signals a reverence for the source material while aiming to bring its essence to a modern blockbuster audience.

What's Next for the Vice Project?

With Kosinski confirmed as director and producers Dylan Clark and Kosinski himself at the helm, the project is gaining significant momentum. The script, penned by Eric Warren Singer (American Hustle) and Dan Gilroy (Nightcrawler), promises a compelling narrative. Production is slated to begin next year, with the film specifically being shot for Imax, ensuring a grand-scale cinematic experience.

The potential pairing of Butler and Jordan, combined with Kosinski's proven track record with big-budget spectacle and a faithful yet modern 1980s setting, makes this Miami Vice reboot one of the most anticipated film projects on the horizon. While the casting is still in the early stages, the director's clear enthusiasm and the undeniable star power of the potential leads have fans buzzing. Confirmation of this dream team could solidify the reboot's position as a must-see event when it hits theaters in the summer of 2027.