Hollywood Reboot: Austin Butler Negotiates Role in ‘Miami Vice’ With Michael B. Jordan

Austin Butler Cast as Sonny Crockett

Austin Butler, the Oscar-nominated actor who garnered universal acclaim for his portrayal of Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, is in advanced preliminary discussions with Universal Pictures regarding the role of James “Sonny” Crockett in Joseph Kosinski’s Miami Vice reboot. According to industry insiders, Butler has expressed genuine enthusiasm and engagement regarding the project, particularly following the studio’s scheduling adjustments that would accommodate his availability in late 2026 for production.

Butler’s participation remains non-binding at present, with negotiations classified as “early stages” in trade terminology. However, the actor’s willingness to engage with the project and his demonstrated enthusiasm represent significant positive indicators for Universal’s acquisition efforts. The scheduling recalibration that enabled Jordan’s potential participation similarly created room in Butler’s calendar, suggesting both principals may align their commitments around the production timeline.

This marks Butler’s latest high-profile studio casting following critically acclaimed performances in Dune: Part Two, where he portrayed the sinister Feyd-Rautha, and Darren Aronofsky’s Caught Stealing. Butler’s consistent trajectory into prestigious filmmaking opportunities reflects his elevation following the awards recognition for Elvis, positioning him among contemporary Hollywood’s most in-demand dramatic actors.

Interestingly, both Austin Butler and original Miami Vice star Don Johnson have portrayed Elvis Presley throughout their careers—a curious coincidence that will likely resurface in entertainment journalism once the casting becomes official.

The Dynamic Jordan-Butler Pairing

Michael B. Jordan’s confirmed participation as Ricardo Tubbs represents a strategic coup for Universal, following the actor’s successful work in Sinners, which emerged as one of 2025’s most acclaimed films both commercially and critically. Jordan’s involvement in directing The Thomas Crown Affair remake necessitated Universal’s scheduling recalibration, which ultimately created production windows allowing both Jordan and Butler to participate simultaneously.

The pairing of Jordan and Butler creates what industry observers describe as “a buzzier trio than any in contemporary Hollywood”—combining the two actors’ star power and momentum with Kosinski’s directorial pedigree. Both performers bring substantial credibility to the project: Jordan’s recent successes demonstrate his bankability as a leading man capable of anchoring major studio productions, while Butler’s Oscar nomination and award recognition establish his dramatic legitimacy within prestige cinema.

This represents a significant departure from the previous cinematic Miami Vice adaptation (2006), which featured Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx under director Michael Mann’s stewardship. That film, despite grossing $163.7 million globally, underperformed expectations against its $150 million budget. Industry observers attribute its commercial disappointment partly to casting choices and tonal approach, with even Farrell himself expressing dissatisfaction with the project in subsequent interviews.

The Butler-Jordan partnership promises fresh energy while respecting the source material’s original character dynamics: two undercover detectives whose friendship and partnership form the narrative core across dangerous Miami underworld missions.

Joseph Kosinski’s Creative Direction and Vision

Joseph Kosinski, the acclaimed director behind Top Gun: Maverick‘s record-breaking success and the innovative F1 feature film, is helming Universal’s Miami Vice adaptation. Kosinski’s demonstrated expertise in crafting visually sophisticated action sequences combined with character-driven storytelling positions him ideally for translating the iconic 1980s television series into contemporary cinema.

Kosinski’s selection suggests Universal’s commitment to elevating the material beyond typical adaptation conventions. His previous work demonstrates sophisticated technical filmmaking married with emotional authenticity—qualities essential for successful reimagining of beloved source material. The decision to shoot in IMAX format further underscores the production’s commitment to theatrical spectacle and cinematic scale.

The screenplay underwent notable creative development, with Eric Warren Singer (Top Gun: Maverick) initially crafting the adaptation before Dan Gilroy (Nightcrawler, Andor) took over screenplay duties. Gilroy’s recent Emmy recognition for his acclaimed work on the Star Wars series Andor brings additional prestige and creative credibility to the project. Dylan Clark, producer of The Batman, joins Kosinski as producer, creating a formidable production partnership.

Kosinski’s vision emphasizes the “glamour and corruption of mid-1980s Miami,” deliberately positioning the film as a period piece that draws inspiration from the pilot episode and inaugural season of the original NBC series (1984-85) rather than attempting to modernize the narrative to contemporary settings.

Source Material and Authentic Period Setting

Miami Vice, created by Anthony Yerkovich and originally executive produced by Yerkovich and director Michael Mann, aired for five seasons from September 1984 through June 1989 on NBC. The series became a cultural phenomenon, fundamentally influencing 1980s aesthetics from fashion to cinematography. The show’s iconic visual language—pastel suits, neon-lit nightscapes, luxury vehicles, and MTV-influenced musical selections—defined an entire decade and established Miami Vice as perhaps the most aesthetically influential television drama ever produced.

The original series featured Don Johnson as the charismatic, fashion-forward detective James “Sonny” Crockett, with Philip Michael Thomas as his partner Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs. The dynamic between the two characters drove the series: Tubbs, a New York City detective traveling to Miami searching for his brother’s killer, eventually transferred to Miami and partnered with Crockett, forming a brotherhood that transcended professional collaboration.

Universal’s new adaptation deliberately embraces the source material’s 1980s setting rather than updating it to contemporary times, a choice that differentiates this film from Michael Mann’s 2006 adaptation. This period authenticity allows the production to mine the visual distinctiveness and cultural specificity of the original series—its fashion sensibilities, technological limitations, and Miami’s particular mid-80s geography and architecture.

The film’s inspiration from the series’ pilot and initial season suggests focus on the establishment of the Crockett-Tubbs partnership and their early undercover missions rather than attempting to compress entire seasons into feature-length narrative.

Production Details and Timeline

Release Date: August 6, 2027 (exclusively in IMAX format)

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Screenwriters: Dan Gilroy and Eric Warren Singer, based on characters created by Anthony Yerkovich

Producers: Dylan Clark and Joseph Kosinski

Production Timeline: Filming anticipated to commence in late 2026

Cast (In Negotiations): Austin Butler (Sonny Crockett), Michael B. Jordan (Ricardo Tubbs)

Production on Miami Vice is expected to begin in the latter months of 2026, positioning the film for a theatrical release during the summer/early fall corridor of 2027. The IMAX-exclusive format release strategy aligns with contemporary premium theatrical release practices for major studio productions, emphasizing the filmmakers’ commitment to delivering visually spectacular action sequences and cinematography.

While Universal has not officially confirmed the casting, industry sources indicate that finalization of deals with both Butler and Jordan appears increasingly likely given recent schedule coordination. The convergence of all major creative elements—celebrated director, prestigious screenwriters, accomplished actors, and substantial studio resources—positions Miami Vice as one of Hollywood’s most anticipated 2027 releases.

No official announcements regarding additional supporting cast members have been made at this time. However, industry tracking suggests that continued casting announcements will materialize as production timelines crystallize and development advances.