Universal Pictures has officially launched film production on Miami Vice ’85, a major theatrical adaptation directed by Joseph Kosinski. The high-profile project brings together a star-studded cast led by Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler, who step into the iconic roles of detectives Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs and James “Sonny” Crockett. Filming is currently underway across New York and Miami, with the studio eyeing a wide IMAX release scheduled for May 19, 2028.
A Fresh Take on a Cultural Phenomenon
Inspired directly by the pilot episode and first season of the landmark 1980s television series created by Anthony Yerkovich, Miami Vice ’85 explores the glamour, grit, and corruption of mid-1980s southern Florida. The original series, famously starring Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas, set global cultural trends spanning fashion, music, and filmmaking. Kosinski’s modern feature aims to capture that distinct neon aesthetic while injecting contemporary technological expertise and visual framing.
Dan Gilroy penned the screenplay for the feature, building upon characters originally crafted by Yerkovich alongside executive producer Michael Mann. An earlier draft of the script was written by Eric Warren Singer. The production is being steered by Dylan Clark via Dylan Clark Productions alongside director Joseph Kosinski.
An All-Star Ensemble Cast Takes Shape
Aside from Jordan and Butler anchoring the action as the swaggering undercover police officers, the film boasts a massive supporting roster. John Leguizamo has been cast as the primary antagonist, portraying a powerful cartel boss. The ensemble further includes:
- Alden Ehrenreich
- Walton Goggins
- Whitney Peak (as Tubbs’ love interest)
- Camila Morrone
- Edi Gathegi
- Andrew Schulz
- Danny Ramirez
- André Holland
Production is utilizing cutting-edge IMAX cameras to bring the sights, sounds, and fast-paced aesthetic of the mid-80s era to life on the biggest screens possible. Universal Pictures has positioned the crime thriller as one of its tentpole theatrical releases for late spring 2028.
Production Background and Expectations
Director Joseph Kosinski enters the project riding a wave of massive critical and commercial momentum following his work on Top Gun: Maverick and the racing film F1. Industry insiders note that the meticulous attention to period wardrobe, classic sports cars, and moody lighting visible in early set preparation points to a faithful yet thoroughly modernized translation of the source material.
As cameras roll in New York and Florida, anticipation continues to build among fans of the original television staple and moviegoers tracking Universal’s heavy-hitting slate. Miami Vice ’85 is slated to arrive in theaters nationwide on May 19, 2028.
