Miami Vice ‘85: Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler Star in Joseph Kosinski’s 1980s Reboot Set for August 2027 Release

Universal Pictures’ upcoming reboot of the classic 1980s television series “Miami Vice” has officially been titled “Miami Vice ’85,” confirming the film’s deep dive into the mid-1980s setting that defined the original show’s cultural impact.

The title was revealed by Variety on April 22, 2026, following earlier announcements about the film’s casting and release window. The project, directed by Joseph Kosinski of “Top Gun: Maverick” fame, stars Michael B. Jordan as Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs and Austin Butler as James “Sonny” Crockett, reprising the iconic detective duo made famous by Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas in the NBC series that aired from 1984 to 1989.

Jordan, who recently won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his dual lead performance in “Sinners,” and Butler, known for his roles in “Elvis” and “The Bikeriders,” were first reported to be in talks for the film in 2025. Their casting has now been confirmed, with both actors taking on the roles of undercover detectives tasked with dismantling drug operations in a stylized, neon-lit vision of 1980s Miami.

The film’s narrative draws directly from the pilot episode and first season of the original “Miami Vice” series, which followed Tubbs — a New York City detective — as he travels to Miami to investigate his brother’s murder. There, he crosses paths with Crockett, a local undercover officer pursuing the same criminal network. After joining forces, the two form a lasting partnership that drives the series’ exploration of crime, loyalty and excess during the height of the cocaine trade in South Florida.

Produced by Dylan Clark and Joseph Kosinski, the screenplay is being written by Oscar-nominated scribe Dan Gilroy (“Nightcrawler”) and Eric Warren Singer, based on characters created by Anthony Yerkovich. The series was executive produced by Yerkovich and Michael Mann, who also directed the 2006 feature film adaptation starring Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx.

“Miami Vice ’85” is set to begin production later in 2026 and will be shot specifically for IMAX presentation, emphasizing the visual grandeur and atmospheric tone that became a hallmark of the original series. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on August 6, 2027, under the Universal Pictures banner.

By anchoring the story in 1985 — a peak year for the show’s influence on fashion, music, and television aesthetics — the reboot aims to capture not only the crime-drama essence of the source material but also the era’s distinctive blend of optimism and excess. As Variety noted, the film will “explore the glamour and corruption of mid-80’s Miami,” positioning itself as both a homage and a reimagining for modern audiences.