Miami vice reboot: jordan & butler set to revive ‘80s icon

Get ready for a serious dose of neon and slicked-back hair – a new Miami Vice film is officially greenlit for August 2027.

A dose of ‘80s excess returns

Universal Studios has announced that Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler will lead the cast in Miami Vice ‘85, a period piece aiming to recapture the essence of the original series. Top Gun: Maverick director, Joseph Kosinski, is at the helm, promising a visual experience as audacious as the show itself.

Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter first dropped the news, confirming the project’s imminent arrival. This isn’t some half-hearted attempt at a modern retelling; the title itself – a direct nod to the 1980s – strongly suggests a commitment to faithfully recreating that era’s aesthetic and tone. Frankly, it’s a welcome change from the increasingly sterile and predictable reboots dominating the cinematic landscape.

Let’s be clear: the original Miami Vice, created by Michael Mann, was a brutal, beautiful indictment of American masculinity. It wasn’t just flashy; it was profoundly unsettling. The 2006 adaptation, while visually impressive, felt like a missed opportunity – a glossy, sanitized version of Mann’s vision. This new venture, however, feels different. The combination of Jordan’s undeniable charisma and Butler’s rising star power, coupled with Kosinski’s pedigree, signals something genuinely compelling.

We’re talking about a film drenched in the kind of calculated cool that defined the decade. Think purplish-gray skies, speedboat chases, and a soundtrack that’ll immediately transport you back to a time when surveillance cameras were a novelty and a perfectly tailored blazer could convey a world of unspoken power. It’s a rare thing to say about a TV show adaptation, but this feels like it has the potential to be something truly special. Simply put, the idea of Jordan and Butler cruising through a Miami steeped in that particular brand of dark glamour…it just works.

Don’t expect a complex narrative. Let’s be honest, the original series didn’t prioritize intricate plots. This reboot is likely aiming for a more visceral, atmospheric experience – a stylish, visually arresting ride. And if it can capture even a fraction of the original’s unsettling allure, it’ll be a resounding success. We’re anticipating a soundtrack heavy on Phil Collins, a liberal application of Ferrari red, and a whole lot of neon. It’s going to be a long wait, but the potential payoff is considerable.