Joseph Kosinski’s Miami Vice reboot at Universal Pictures is beginning to accelerate, with reports confirming that Michael B. Jordan is in early talks to play Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs, the stylish detective immortalized in the 1980s television classic. Sources suggest that while a deal is not finalized, negotiations have progressed after scheduling adjustments cleared the way for Jordan’s involvement.
As per reports Universal has slated Miami Vice for August 6, 2027, setting the stage for a cinematic revival of the hit NBC series that reshaped television aesthetics in the 1980s. The new film will explore the glamour and corruption of mid-1980s Miami, taking inspiration from the pilot episode and first season of the original show created by Anthony Yerkovich and executive-produced by Michael Mann.
The original Miami Vice (1984–1989) became a cultural touchstone, influencing fashion, music, and filmmaking. With its pastel suits, high-speed chases, and synth-driven score, it defined the look and feel of a generation — and the upcoming reboot aims to channel that same energy for the big screen.
The Team Behind the Miami Vice
Following the success of Top Gun: Maverick (2022) and F1: The Movie (2025), Joseph Kosinski is directing the reboot with Eric Warren Singer and Dan Gilroy co-writing the screenplay. Both writers have long been involved in developing the adaptation alongside Kosinski.
The film is produced by Dylan Clark and Joseph Kosinski, with Universal Pictures financing and distributing. The movie is expected to be filmed in IMAX format, reflecting Kosinski’s signature emphasis on immersive visuals and large-scale spectacle.
Universal Pictures had no comment regarding casting or production details at this stage.
Michael B. Jordan’s Next Big Move
For Jordan, the role of Tubbs could mark another major milestone in his already versatile career. The actor-filmmaker recently headlined Ryan Coogler’s horror hit Sinners, which grossed $366 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing original horror film of all time.
He is currently directing and starring in The Thomas Crown Affair for Amazon MGM Studios under his Outlier Society banner. Known for bringing both intensity and depth to his performances, Jordan’s involvement would add a layer of charisma and grit to Kosinski’s sleek vision of Vice.
The role of Tubbs was originally portrayed by Philip Michael Thomas, opposite Don Johnson’s iconic Detective Sonny Crockett. The studio is now seeking to lock in Jordan’s co-star for the role of Crockett, with announcements expected once Jordan’s deal is finalized.
Reviving the Spirit of the 1980s
The Miami Vice reboot promises to transport audiences back to the sun-drenched decadence and danger of 1980s South Florida — a world of fast cars, glamorous nightclubs, and undercover intrigue. Its official logline describes a story “inspired by the pilot episode and first season of the landmark television series that influenced culture and set the style of everything from fashion to filmmaking.”
With Kosinski’s cinematic precision and Gilroy’s sharp storytelling, the film is expected to blend high-style visuals with grounded emotional drama — striking a balance between nostalgia and modern reinvention.
With production expected to begin in 2026, the Miami Vice reboot is shaping up as one of the most anticipated studio projects of the decade. By pairing Kosinski’s flair for spectacle with Jordan’s commanding screen presence, Universal aims to reintroduce a cultural icon for a new generation.
While details remain closely guarded, this collaboration could mark the start of a bold new era for Miami Vice — one that honors the legacy of its neon-soaked past while steering confidently into the future.
Universal Pictures has so far declined to comment on the project.
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