A fresh wave of excitement has emerged around Universal’s long-anticipated reboot of Miami Vice, which has been quietly developing for several years. Recent reports indicate that significant casting discussions are underway, with Michael B. Jordan potentially set to take on the role of Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs, a pivotal character in the original 1980s crime drama.
Sources from Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter suggest that Jordan is in the early stages of negotiations, and if all goes well, he will portray one half of the iconic detective duo alongside a yet-to-be-announced actor for the role of James Crockett. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for his work on Top Gun: Maverick, the film aims for a release date of August 6, 2027.
This new film seeks to capture the essence of the mid-1980s Miami backdrop, drawing inspiration from the pilot and first season of Anthony Yerkovich’s classic NBC series. The script is crafted by Eric Warren Singer and Dan Gilroy, based on Yerkovich’s characters. The project is produced by Kosinski alongside Dylan Clark, recognized for his production work on The Batman.
The original Miami Vice series was a groundbreaking success, featuring Don Johnson as Sonny Crockett and Philip Michael Thomas as Ricardo Tubbs. It became iconic not only for its vibrant pastel aesthetic and memorable soundtrack but also for its vivid portrayal of Miami’s nightlife. In 2006, a feature film adaptation directed by Michael Mann, starring Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell, achieved worldwide box office success, grossing $163.7 million.
According to reports, Michael B. Jordan’s name had been discussed for months before Universal officially extended an offer, providing him with the flexibility to complete post-production on his directorial project, The Thomas Crown Affair, for Amazon MGM Studios. Production on Miami Vice is slated to commence in 2026, with plans for filming in IMAX format.
Kosinski’s vision is set to rejuvenate the beloved franchise for contemporary viewers while retaining the fast-paced visuals and sleek aesthetic that made the original series a hit. Universal has yet to comment on casting or plot specifics, but the developments certainly suggest that fans of Miami Vice have much to look forward to in the coming years.