Universal Pictures released the first official images from Miami Vice ’85 today. The Joseph Kosinski-directed reboot has officially entered production. The character portraits introduce Michael B. Jordan as Detective Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs and Austin Butler as Detective James “Sonny” Crockett, marking the formal start of principal photography on the period crime thriller.
The images, shared via the film’s official account present contrasting character portraits rather than a shared scene. Jordan appears bearded and stern in a black leather coat over a patterned tie, holding a handgun in a frontal, still pose that emphasizes presence. Butler is shown in a grey suit with a gold watch and shoulder holster, aiming a pistol in a dynamic lean, his hair longer and period-appropriate.
Promotional versions overlay the names “TUBBS” and “CROCKETT” with an “MV85” logo in a retro type treatment. Some early reactions have noted the darker, less pastel palette compared with the original series’ early seasons’ signature bright linens and colors. The looks lean closer to later-series or 2006-film energy than pure 1985 pastels.
The Project
Miami Vice ’85 is directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick, F1) from a screenplay by Dan Gilroy (Nightcrawler), with additional writing credit to Eric Warren Singer. It is based on the Anthony Yerkovich-created NBC series and is described as exploring “the glamour and corruption of mid-1980s Miami,” drawing inspiration from the pilot and first season. Cinematographer Claudio Miranda (Oscar winner for Life of Pi, longtime Kosinski collaborator) is shooting the film for IMAX.
Supporting cast includes John Leguizamo (reported as a primary antagonist), Walton Goggins, Alden Ehrenreich, Camila Morrone, Danny Ramirez, André Holland, Whitney Peak, Edi Gathegi, Andrew Schulz, Michael Irby (as Lou Rodriguez), and Dominic Sessa.
Filming is underway (locations include New Jersey stand-ins for South Beach, plus New York City and Miami). The film is set for theatrical release on May 19, 2028, after an earlier August 2027 date was moved.
Context
The original Miami Vice (1984–1989) starred Don Johnson as Crockett and Philip Michael Thomas as Tubbs and became a cultural phenomenon for its visual style, music, and fashion. Michael Mann, executive producer of the series, later directed the 2006 theatrical film with Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx; that version received mixed reviews at the time but has gained a cult following. A new director’s cut of the 2006 film has also been circulating recently.
Jordan and Butler step into roles previously played by Thomas/Johnson on television and Foxx/Farrell on film. The combination of Kosinski’s large-scale visual filmmaking, Gilroy’s script, Miranda’s cinematography, and a strong ensemble has already generated significant interest more than 18 months before release.
Production is now officially rolling. Expect more set photos, additional casting details, and further looks as filming continues in the months ahead.
