Universal Pictures has officially ignited the engine on its long-awaited reboot, now titled 'Miami Vice '85,' securing Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler to lead the charge. Under the direction of Joseph Kosinski, the film is ditching modern grit for a stylized, neon-soaked return to the franchise's 1980s roots.
Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler Set to Ignite Universal's Action Reboot
'Miami Vice '85' is the official title of Universal Pictures' long-awaited remake of the iconic undercover police series. The studio announced that Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler have finalized their deals to play the major roles, following in the illustrious footsteps of Crockett and Tubbs, in a move that has sent shockwaves through Hollywood.
Image Courtesy: Variety
This new version, which is directed by Joseph Kosinski, the genius behind 'Top Gun: Maverick,' is returning directly to the vibrant neon-drenched style of the original 1980s television series, departing from the gritty, contemporary realism of Michael Mann's 2006 film.
With production slated to begin later this year, the project is being positioned as a tentpole summer blockbuster that blends retro nostalgia with modern, high-octane action choreography.
A New Era for Crockett and Tubbs
Given that Jordan and Butler are both at the height of their careers, their casting is an ideal combination of star power and acting experience. Ricardo Tubbs will be portrayed by Michael B. Jordan, who will play the streetwise investigator with the same passion and charm he showed in the Creed series.
Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter
Austin Butler will play James "Sonny" Crockett opposite him. Butler is anticipated to embrace the icy, detached demeanor that made the original character a cultural legend, following his Oscar-nominated performance in 'Elvis' and his evil part in 'Dune: Part Two.'
Their chemistry is the engine of the film, and sources suggest that Kosinski's vision for the duo involves a deep dive into the psychological toll of deep-cover work within the drug-fueled underworld of Florida.
Although the original series was well-known for its clothes and music, this reboot seeks to include a layer of intricate human drama so that Jordan and Butler's relationship is both action-packed and emotionally resonant.
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Returning to the Neon Roots of 1985
In order to replicate the height of the "Suntans and Satin" era that characterized the original NBC show, the film was purposefully set in 1985. The production may embrace the classic style—unstructured Armani suits, pastel t-shirts, and Ferraris—while employing contemporary filmmaking equipment to capture the slick, cinematic beauty of Miami's coastline by making it a period piece rather than a modern update.
The ensemble cast is starting to take shape in addition to Jordan and Butler, and there are whispers that the studio is seeking a seasoned actor to portray the stoic Lieutenant Castillo.
Image Courtesy: Deadline
Produced by Jordan's Outlier Society and Dylan Clark Productions, the film is currently is scheduled to open on 6th August, 2027. In order to ensure that 'Miami Vice '85' seems like a fast-paced, stylish voyage back in time for a new generation of moviegoers, fans can anticipate a soundtrack that celebrates the synth-heavy Jan Hammer music while including updated renditions of 80s hits.
