Miami vice reboot: jordan & butler set to revive the 80s icon
Gas up the go-fast boats, grab a pink blazer – 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 neon stakes
Universal Studios has greenlit Miami Vice ‘85, promising a faithful recreation of the iconic 80s series. Jordan will step into the role of Tubbs, previously embodied by Philip Michael Thomas, while Butler will embody Sonny Crocket, the role famously brought to life by Don Johnson. Veteran director Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) is at the helm, suggesting a level of visual ambition rarely seen in modern reboots.
The project’s origins lie in the legacy of Michael Mann’s original series, a darkly stylish crime drama that captured the decadent allure of Miami in the late 70s and early 80s. Unlike the 2006 adaptation – a curiously anachronistic affair – this new take is committed to anchoring itself firmly in the era of the source material. Let's be frank: the 2006 film, with its Jay-Z/Linkin Park needle drop, remains a perplexing misstep, a glossy, contemporary interpretation that utterly missed the point of Mann’s original vision.
But there’s reason for optimism. The title itself, Miami Vice ‘85, speaks to a deliberate return to the core aesthetic – the meticulous production design, the saturated color palette, the pervasive sense of danger and glamour. Kosinski’s track record suggests a meticulous approach to visual storytelling, promising a cinematic experience that feels both nostalgic and strikingly modern. Rumors are swirling about a possible return to the series’ signature blend of neo-noir and high-octane action.
While plot details remain shrouded in secrecy – a deliberate tactic, perhaps – the potential for recreating the atmosphere of the original is palpable. Imagine: a Ferrari, the top down, Phil Collins blasting through the speakers. It’s a formula that, frankly, feels almost embarrassingly perfect. This isn’t about reinventing the wheel; it’s about delivering a meticulously crafted homage to a cultural touchstone. And if anyone can do it, with Jordan and Butler lending their considerable star power, it’s Kosinski.
The fact that the film is heading toward August 2027 is merely a detail. The anticipation is building. Let’s just hope this reboot doesn’t fall victim to the same fate as countless other attempts to resurrect beloved franchises – a bland, uninspired echo of the original. This one has the potential to be something truly special, a return to the gritty, stylish heart of Miami Vice.