Austin Butler in Talks to Join Michael B. Jordan in ‘Miami Vice’ Reboot
Austin Butler may join Michael B. Jordan in Joseph Kosinski’s “Miami Vice” reboot, set for 2027. Here’s what we know about casting, production, and what fans can expect. Read now!
Introduction
Austin Butler and Michael B. Jordan might be teaming up for one of the most ambitious movie reboots of the decade — Miami Vice. According to Variety (May 2025), Butler is in early talks to star as James “Sonny” Crockett opposite Jordan’s Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs in Universal Pictures’ upcoming reboot directed by Top Gun: Maverick filmmaker Joseph Kosinski.
If this casting sticks, it’ll be the latest move in Hollywood’s current wave of nostalgia-driven reboots. But this isn’t just another retro revival. Kosinski’s version is described as a sleek, IMAX-shot update exploring the “glamour and corruption of mid-80s Miami.” Production starts next year, and Universal has set an official release date for August 6, 2027.
With two powerhouse leads, a proven director, and one of the most influential TV properties ever made, this Miami Vice reboot could redefine how studios handle classic IP.
The Original ‘Miami Vice’: Setting the Bar for Cool
Before diving into the new film, it’s worth remembering how big Miami Vice once was. The original NBC series, which ran from 1984 to 1989, wasn’t just a cop show — it was a cultural event.
Created by Anthony Yerkovich and produced by Michael Mann, the show turned Don Johnson (Sonny Crockett) and Philip Michael Thomas (Rico Tubbs) into household names. Its neon-lit visuals, pastel suits, and synth-heavy soundtrack defined the look and sound of the 1980s.
Miami Vice influenced everything from fashion to filmmaking. Directors like Michael Bay, Steven Soderbergh, and even Nicolas Winding Refn have cited its visual language as an influence.
When Mann adapted it for the big screen in 2006, starring Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx, the result was darker, more grounded, and divisive. The film developed a cult following for its gritty realism and digital cinematography but didn’t connect widely at the box office.
Now, nearly two decades later, Kosinski and Universal seem ready to revisit that world — this time with a balance of nostalgia and innovation.
Austin Butler: From Elvis to Crockett
Austin Butler’s career has accelerated faster than almost anyone in recent memory. After years of smaller TV roles (Zoey 101, The Carrie Diaries), he broke through playing Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis (2022).
That performance earned him a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. It also established Butler as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men.
Since then, he’s shown impressive range — from his chilling portrayal of Feyd-Rautha in Dune: Part Two (2024) to his gritty turn in Darren Aronofsky’s upcoming thriller Caught Stealing.
If he officially signs on as Sonny Crockett, Butler would be stepping into a role that demands both charisma and quiet intensity — traits Don Johnson made iconic. The key question is whether Butler can channel that mix of swagger and moral conflict that defined the original Crockett.
Michael B. Jordan as Rico Tubbs: The Perfect Counterbalance
Michael B. Jordan’s casting as Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs adds serious star power and depth to the reboot. Jordan has proven he can carry blockbuster franchises (Creed, Black Panther) while still delivering emotionally grounded performances (Just Mercy, Fruitvale Station).
Rico Tubbs, originally played by Philip Michael Thomas, was the cool-headed balance to Crockett’s impulsiveness. He was methodical, observant, and always a step ahead.
Jordan’s take could modernize that dynamic. Expect the chemistry between Butler and Jordan to be a major draw. This pairing feels deliberate — two actors from different trajectories meeting in a film that bridges generations of style and substance.
Their partnership could also mirror today’s Miami — more global, more connected, and more complicated than the version seen in the ’80s.
Joseph Kosinski’s Vision: Sleek, Cinematic, and Expensive
If there’s one reason to take this reboot seriously, it’s Joseph Kosinski. His recent projects — Top Gun: Maverick and the upcoming F1: The Movie — show he knows how to revive old IP with respect and modern flair.
Kosinski isn’t just remaking Miami Vice for nostalgia. The film’s logline mentions that it’s “inspired by the pilot episode and first season” of the show. That’s important — it suggests a grounded origin story rather than a flashy remake.
According to Variety, the movie will be shot entirely for IMAX, emphasizing scale, realism, and atmosphere. Expect slick car chases, humid night sequences, and aerial views of Miami that feel more immersive than ever.
Kosinski’s style is clean and technical, often blending practical stunts with minimal CGI. After the success of Top Gun: Maverick, Universal likely expects Miami Vice to deliver similar box office energy.
The Script and Creative Team
The screenplay comes from Eric Warren Singer (American Hustle) and Dan Gilroy (Nightcrawler). Both writers are known for exploring moral ambiguity, making them strong fits for the world of undercover cops navigating crime and corruption.
They’re working from characters originally created by Anthony Yerkovich and Michael Mann — names that still carry weight in this franchise.
Producers Dylan Clark (The Batman) and Kosinski are teaming up again, signaling a high production value approach.
Given the pedigree of this team, Miami Vice won’t be just a glossy action movie. It’s shaping up to be a tense, atmospheric story about loyalty, money, and blurred ethics in a modernized Miami.
The 2027 Release Date: A Strategic Move
Universal has officially dated the Miami Vice reboot for August 6, 2027 — right in the middle of the summer blockbuster window.
That’s a confident move. By 2027, major franchises like Fast & Furious and Jurassic World will have either ended or rebooted, leaving room for new action-driven tentpoles.
Kosinski’s track record with Top Gun: Maverick ($1.4 billion worldwide) shows audiences are hungry for practical, well-crafted action. If Miami Vice follows that model, it could be one of Universal’s biggest releases of the decade.
The studio has not yet confirmed additional cast members, but expect announcements in early 2026 as production ramps up.
What Fans Can Expect: Style, Music, and Modern Grit
Part of what made Miami Vice iconic was its fusion of style and storytelling. The music alone — from Phil Collins to Jan Hammer — became synonymous with the show’s identity.
While there’s no word yet on who’s scoring the reboot, a modern reinterpretation could easily mix synth-inspired compositions with contemporary hip-hop or Latin influences to reflect Miami’s evolving soundscape.
Fashion will also play a major role. The pastel suits may not return exactly as-is, but expect sharp tailoring, tropical palettes, and a nod to that original swagger.
Thematically, the reboot could explore issues like corruption, surveillance, and the blurred lines between law enforcement and organized crime — all still relevant in 2025.
Conclusion
The Miami Vice reboot is shaping up to be one of Universal’s boldest plays for the late 2020s. With Joseph Kosinski directing, Michael B. Jordan confirmed, and Austin Butler likely joining soon, the project combines legacy IP with current A-list power.
Unlike some nostalgia projects that rely on brand recognition, this one has the creative foundation and technical vision to justify its existence. If production goes smoothly and early buzz holds, Miami Vice could redefine the crime-action genre for a new generation.
The question now is simple: can Kosinski’s Miami capture that same electricity that once made Crockett and Tubbs icons of cool? We’ll find out in 2027.
FAQs
1. When is the Miami Vice reboot releasing?
The Miami Vice reboot is set for August 6, 2027, and will be filmed for IMAX under Universal Pictures.
2. Who is directing the Miami Vice reboot?
Joseph Kosinski, known for Top Gun: Maverick and Oblivion, is directing the film.
3. Who are the confirmed cast members?
Michael B. Jordan is confirmed as Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs. Austin Butler is in early talks to play James “Sonny” Crockett.
4. Will the reboot follow the original series?
Partially. The story is inspired by the pilot and first season of the 1980s TV show but reimagined for modern audiences.
5. Is Michael Mann involved in the new film?
The movie is based on characters he helped create, but Mann is not confirmed as a producer or creative lead.
