Miami Vice ’85 First Look: Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler Bring Tubbs and Crockett Back to Life
The streets of Miami are calling again, and this time, two of Hollywood’s biggest stars are stepping into the world of designer suits, undercover investigations and dangerous criminal networks. Universal Pictures has unveiled the first official character images from Miami Vice ’85, featuring Michael B. Jordan as Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs and Austin Butler as James “Sonny” Crockett.
The upcoming crime thriller is a fresh take on the legendary 1980s television series Miami Vice. With production now underway, the first-look images offer an early glimpse of the film’s visual direction and the two actors leading its new interpretation of the iconic detective partnership.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the filmmaker behind Top Gun: Maverick and F1, the project is aiming to bring the atmosphere, danger and style of mid-1980s Miami to the big screen once again.
And while the original series left a significant mark on television history, this new version has an opportunity to establish its own identity.
Michael B. Jordan Is Rico Tubbs, and Austin Butler Is Sonny Crockett
Universal’s first-look reveal introduces the two central characters through contrasting images that immediately establish their screen presence.
Michael B. Jordan appears as Tubbs in a black leather coat, dark shirt and tie, creating a more imposing, understated look. Austin Butler’s Crockett, meanwhile, is pictured in a grey suit, aiming a handgun in a tense, action-oriented pose.
The images do not reveal much about the plot, but they establish the film’s crime-thriller aesthetic and give fans their first official look at the new detective duo.
Jordan, known for Creed, Black Panther and Sinners, brings considerable action-film experience to Tubbs. Butler, whose credits include Elvis and Dune: Part Two, takes on the role of Crockett, a character whose original television portrayal became synonymous with the franchise.
The challenge for both actors will be to make these familiar characters feel distinctive rather than simply imitate the performances that made them famous.
What Is Miami Vice ’85 About?
Set in the world of mid-1980s Miami, Miami Vice ’85 draws inspiration from the original television series’ pilot episode and first season.
The story centres on undercover detectives Tubbs and Crockett as they navigate the criminal underworld, where drug trafficking, corruption and dangerous investigations collide.
The period setting is particularly important. Rather than simply updating the premise to the present day, the film returns to an era when Miami’s nightlife, fashion, music and criminal landscape helped define the original show’s identity.
This gives the filmmakers an opportunity to recreate a specific time and place instead of relying solely on the recognition of the Miami Vice name.
The first-look images also suggest that the production is leaning into character-driven promotional photography rather than revealing major story details. For now, the exact plot and the scale of the investigation at the centre of the film remain under wraps.
Joseph Kosinski Is Directing the New Miami Vice Movie
The film is directed by Joseph Kosinski, whose recent work includes Top Gun: Maverick and F1. Both films demonstrate his interest in immersive visual filmmaking and stories built around high-pressure professional environments.
For Miami Vice ’85, that approach could be well suited to undercover police work, high-speed pursuits and tense encounters with organised crime.
The screenplay is written by Dan Gilroy, whose credits include Nightcrawler and Andor. His involvement is an intriguing fit for a story that could combine the mechanics of a crime investigation with questions about ambition, power and corruption.
The film’s creative team will need to balance its visual spectacle with the quieter tension of undercover work. The most compelling moments in a crime thriller often come not from the action itself, but from the uncertainty of whether a character’s cover is about to be blown.
How Does the New Film Compare With the Original Miami Vice?
The original Miami Vice, which premiered in 1984, became one of the defining crime dramas of its era. Don Johnson played Sonny Crockett, while Philip Michael Thomas portrayed Ricardo Tubbs.
The series stood apart through its use of contemporary music, striking visual style, stylish clothing and stories that explored the darker side of Miami’s glamorous image.
The franchise previously made the jump to the big screen with Michael Mann’s 2006 film, starring Colin Farrell as Crockett and Jamie Foxx as Tubbs.
The new Miami Vice ’85 is a separate reinterpretation of the property, drawing from the original television show’s early episodes rather than simply continuing the 2006 film’s story.
That distinction matters. The new movie has the opportunity to revisit the original setting and characters without being restricted to the previous film’s version of the franchise.
The question is whether it can recapture the original’s atmosphere while telling a story that feels engaging to audiences who may never have watched the television series.
Why the First-Look Images Matter
First-look photographs rarely tell the whole story of a film, but they can establish expectations for its tone and visual identity.
In this case, Tubbs’ dark leather outfit and Crockett’s tailored grey suit offer two different approaches to the characters’ presentation. They also give the promotional campaign a clear visual contrast without revealing the wider narrative.
There is, however, a bigger challenge ahead. The original Miami Vice was not memorable simply because its characters dressed well. Its identity came from the combination of music, cinematography, performances and a distinctive view of crime and glamour.
The new film will need to bring those elements together in a way that feels authentic to the period without turning the 1980s setting into a collection of nostalgic references.
Kosinski’s visual approach, Gilroy’s screenplay and the chemistry between Jordan and Butler will be important factors in determining whether the reboot can achieve that balance.
Miami Vice ’85 Release Date: When Is It Coming Out?
Universal Pictures has scheduled Miami Vice ’85 for an exclusive theatrical release on May 19, 2028.
The film is currently in production, with further details about its complete story, marketing campaign and eventual trailer rollout still to come.
The supporting cast includes Alden Ehrenreich, Camila Morrone, Walton Goggins, Danny Ramirez, André Holland, Whitney Peak, Michael Irby and John Leguizamo, among others.
For fans of the original series, the next major milestone will be seeing how the film’s first-look aesthetic translates into actual footage, particularly when its first trailer reveals the music, cinematography and on-screen dynamic between its two leads.
Geeksterr Verdict: Can Jordan and Butler Make Miami Vice Cool Again?
The early images from Miami Vice ’85 establish an intriguing starting point. Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler are two distinctive screen performers, and bringing them together as Tubbs and Crockett gives the film a strong central pairing.
Joseph Kosinski’s involvement also raises expectations for the film’s visual presentation, while Dan Gilroy’s writing credits suggest room for a grounded crime story beneath the period styling.
Still, recreating the look of the 1980s is only part of the challenge. The film must make audiences care about its detectives, their investigations and the dangers of their undercover lives.
If it succeeds, Miami Vice ’85 could offer more than a nostalgic return to a familiar franchise. It could introduce an entirely new generation to the world of Tubbs and Crockett.
For now, the first look has opened the door. The real test will come when the film finally hits the screen.
What do you think of the first looks at Michael B. Jordan as Tubbs and Austin Butler as Crockett? Can the new film live up to the original series, or do you prefer the 2006 movie? Share your thoughts in the comments.
