The long-running appeal of Miami Vice is getting a high-profile cinematic reboot: Universal is producing Miami Vice ’85, a new take on the 1980s cop drama shot for IMAX and anchored by a growing ensemble of well-known actors. With production already underway and the release pushed to May 19, 2028, the project aims to recast a classic for modern audiences while leaning into big-screen spectacle.
Filming has begun, and early set photos of Michael B. Jordan in character have circulated online, confirming the film’s active production phase. Studio announcements also note an IMAX shoot, signaling a visual-first approach from director Joseph Kosinski.
Cast and key creative figures
The cast list has expanded rapidly, assembling performers from across film and television. Several roles are confirmed; others have yet to be detailed by the studio.
- Michael B. Jordan — Ricardo “Tubbs” (confirmed)
- Austin Butler — James “Sonny” Crockett (in talks/attached)
- Alden Ehrenreich — cast in a supporting role
- Whitney Peak — cast (role not disclosed)
- Camila Morrone — cast (role not disclosed)
- Danny Ramirez — cast (role not disclosed)
- John Leguizamo — cast as a principal antagonist
- Andrew Schulz — joining the ensemble
- Walton Goggins — joining the ensemble
- André Holland — joined the cast
- Michael Irby — Lt. Lou Rodriguez
- Haley Lu Richardson — added to the roster
Behind the camera, Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick, Tron: Legacy) will direct. The screenplay is being shaped by Dan Gilroy, who reworked an initial draft by Eric Warren Singer. Dylan Clark is producing alongside Kosinski, and Universal’s production development executives are overseeing the project.
What the film will draw from the original series
Rather than inventing a wholly new premise, the movie is reported to take inspiration from the NBC series’ pilot, “Brother’s Keeper,” and themes from the show’s first season. Expect familiar elements: undercover work, South Florida criminal networks and the moral gray areas that defined the 1980s drama.
The title’s year marker — ’85 — suggests a period setting or at least a narrative anchored to that era, though the studio has not released full plot details. Filming for IMAX and Kosinski’s involvement indicate a focus on cinematic visuals rather than a small-screen remake.
Release schedule and what changed
The project’s theatrical debut was originally slated for August 6, 2027; Universal later rescheduled the release to May 19, 2028. The new date positions the film in a competitive spring box-office window and gives the production additional time in post-production to finalize IMAX-ready imagery.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Miami Vice ’85 |
| Director | Joseph Kosinski |
| Writers | Eric Warren Singer (initial draft), Dan Gilroy (rewrite) |
| Producers | Dylan Clark, Joseph Kosinski |
| Format | Filmed for IMAX |
| Production status | Underway; on-set images recently shared |
| Release date | May 19, 2028 (moved from August 6, 2027) |
| Source material | Based on characters from the original TV series’ pilot and first season |
For fans and industry watchers, this reboot represents more than nostalgia. It’s a test of whether an iconic television property can be translated into a large-scale cinematic experience that satisfies longtime viewers while attracting new audiences. Kosinski’s recent track record with visually driven, commercially successful films raises expectations about the production’s scale and tone.
How the film balances period authenticity with contemporary storytelling will shape critical and audience reception. With a high-profile cast and an IMAX-first strategy, Miami Vice ’85 is positioned as a notable tentpole for Universal’s upcoming slate, and its May 2028 release date will be a moment to watch for the studio’s summer lineup.
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Hello, I’m Declan. I share my film reviews and discoveries with you to enrich your moviegoing experience.