Austin Butler is reportedly in early talks to step into the role of Detective James “Sonny” Crockett in Universal Pictures’ upcoming Miami Vice reboot, joining Michael B. Jordan, who will portray his partner, Detective Ricardo Tubbs. 
The project is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cinematic reimaginings of the decade, promising a stylish return to the neon-soaked, morally gray underbelly of 1980s Miami.
Variety reports that this new take on Miami Vice won’t be a modern reinterpretation but rather a faithful period piece capturing the city’s glitz, excess, and deep-seated corruption during the height of the decade that made the franchise iconic. The film will draw heavy inspiration from the original NBC series’ pilot and first season (1984–85), where Tubbs, a New York detective chasing his brother’s killer, teams up with Crockett, a Miami undercover cop seeking vengeance for his slain partner. Their partnership forged one of television’s most magnetic duos, blending gritty realism with a flair for pastel suits and powerboats.
Joseph Kosinski, known for Top Gun: Maverick and Tron: Legacy, will direct the film in IMAX format, ensuring Miami’s iconic skyline and oceanfront nightlife get the cinematic treatment they deserve. The screenplay, co-written by Dan Gilroy and Eric Singer, is based on the characters created by Anthony Yerkovich, with Yerkovich and Michael Mann serving as executive producers. Dylan Clark (The Batman) joins Kosinski on production duties, a combination that signals both visual sophistication and commercial punch.
Interestingly, both Butler and Don Johnson – who originally played Crockett in the 1984 series – once portrayed Elvis Presley, a coincidence fans are already joking about. This shared connection, along with Butler’s proven dramatic range and Jordan’s magnetic presence, suggests a dynamic chemistry at the film’s core. Fans are already debating whether Kosinski will keep Jan Hammer’s legendary synth theme or even feature a Phil Collins track, elements many consider essential to the show’s identity.
Production is expected to begin next year, with an IMAX release slated for August 6, 2027. While the 2006 film by Michael Mann received mixed reviews, this new version seems to be steering closer to the heart and heat of the original, promising an experience that blends nostalgia with modern cinematic firepower. If Kosinski captures even half the pulse and visual rhythm that made his past projects soar, Miami Vice could easily become the sleek, stylish revival fans have been waiting for.