Miami vice reboot: michael b. jordan and austin butler set to revive the 80s icon

Gas up the go-fast boats – it’s happening. A new Miami Vice film, starring Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler, is officially slated for release in August 2027.

A period piece with a dark edge

Universal Studios has confirmed the project, titled Miami Vice ‘85, with Joseph Kosinski directing. This isn’t a contemporary reimagining; expect a deep dive into the neon-drenched, morally ambiguous world of the original series, created by Michael Mann. Forget the 2006 iteration – this is a deliberate throwback, aiming to recapture the film noir essence that made the show a cultural touchstone.

Jordan will embody Tubbs, originally played by Philip Michael Thomas, while Butler steps into Sonny’s shoes, once occupied by the iconic Don Johnson. The prospect alone is a potent cocktail of talent, but the whispers surrounding Kosinski’s approach – a meticulous attention to atmosphere and a willingness to lean into the show’s inherent darkness – suggest something genuinely compelling is brewing.

Echoes of mann’s masterpiece

Let’s be clear: the 2006 Miami Vice, despite its initial critical dismissal, has since achieved cult status. The jarring needle drop sequence alone remains etched in cinematic memory. This new venture has a considerable weight to bear, and frankly, the potential for greatness is palpable. The original’s visual language – the purplish-gray storm clouds, the manic camerawork, the intoxicating blend of luxury and corruption – set a standard difficult to surpass. It’s a rare thing to find a remake that genuinely elevates the source material, but the creative team appears to be acutely aware of that challenge.

But here’s the interesting part: this isn’t about slavishly replicating the past. Kosinski’s track record speaks for itself – from Top Gun: Maverick to his work on upcoming Marvel projects, he’s a master of immersive storytelling and visual spectacle. The combination of Jordan and Butler’s undeniable charisma, paired with Kosinski’s directorial vision, promises a film that’s both familiar and refreshingly new. The anticipation is, frankly, bordering on feverish.

Let’s just say, if Hollywood needs a shot of adrenaline, a return to the slick, stylish, and often dangerous world of Miami Vice might just be the answer. And if they can recapture even a fraction of the original’s intoxicating allure, this could very well be a critical and commercial success. It’s time to dust off the pink blazers and prepare for a ride.”n