Glen Powell and Michael B. Jordan may be teaming up to lead Universal’s upcoming Miami Vice reboot. The iconic 1980s TV series, created by Anthony Yerkovich and produced by Michael Mann, originally starred Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas as undercover detectives fighting crime in stylish, neon-soaked outfits.
The show ran for five seasons, and it was later adapted into Mann’s 2006 mixed-reviewed feature film, which starred Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx. Top Gun: Maverick and F1 director Joseph Kosinski is reportedly attached to lead the reboot, with Nightcrawler‘s Dan Gilroy writing the script. The reboot will be filmed in IMAX.
According to Nexus Point News, Powell and Jordan are in talks to portray the iconic roles of James “Sonny” Crockett and Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs, respectively. Miami Vice is already set for release on August 6, 2027, marking a major revival of the stylish, crime-driven classic.
What This Means For The Miami Vice Reboot
While the news is intriguing, there has been no official confirmation from Universal, Kosinski, or the actors. This could mean that the news is simply speculation, which often happens during early rounds of development, sometimes as testing grounds for audience reaction. However, even if it’s just a rumor, it signals that Universal is betting big on this reboot.
If Jordan and Powell are confirmed to lead the Miami Vice reboot, the film would likely lean more into character depth than in past iterations. With this pair of actors, the film could go further into the moral and social complexities, rivalries, loyalties, and corruption, while keeping the show’s aesthetic DNA of night streets, neon glow, and synth.
Kosinski’s direction would likely revamp the franchise visually. Audiences could expect sleek cinematography, fast-paced action sequences, and a visual style that references the original while maintaining an updated look for today’s audiences. Gilroy’s script may push the world into global crime, social conflict, or even cross-border stakes.
A new approach could free the film from the constraints of nostalgia. Instead of simply replicating the ’80s aesthetic, this version could use it as a foundation. The tone of the reboot could be shaped by the legacy of the original, rather than being confined by it. If done right, the reboot could feel new, urgent, and unafraid to make its own impact.
Our Take On The Miami Vice Reboot
While nothing is confirmed yet, the rumor of Michael B. Jordan and Glen Powell teaming up to lead this reboot would be a smart move, if true. Both actors bring charisma, acting chops, and the ability to carry a film. With both stars having big fan bases, their casting would also attract a lot of attention to the Miami Vice reboot.
Their speculated involvement suggests that Universal is aiming for this reboot to be cinematic and emotionally resonant. The tone, casting, and narrative will determine whether the reboot succeeds or fails. If it plays it safe, it might be forgotten. But with strong leads and a director who understands spectacle, this version of Miami Vice could be a successful entry in the franchise.