John Leguizamo has been cast as the primary antagonist in Universal Pictures’ upcoming big-screen adaptation of Miami Vice, titled Miami Vice ’85. The film is set to be directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for his work on Top Gun: Maverick and F1.
John Leguizamo joins a high-profile ensemble cast led by Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler, who are attached to portray the iconic undercover detective duo Ricardo "Rico" Tubbs and James "Sonny" Crockett. The casting represents a key development for the studio project, which aims to revive the classic 1980s television franchise.
Expanding the Miami Vice ’85 Cast
According to industry reports, John Leguizamo will step into the role of a cartel boss, serving as the central adversary to Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler’s detectives. The actor comes to the project following his recent appearance in Universal's summer blockbuster The Odyssey.
The growing ensemble for the crime thriller also features several prominent rising actors and popular figures, including:
- Alden Ehrenreich
- Whitney Peak
- Camila Morrone
- Danny Ramirez
A Period Adaptation Inspired by the Original Series
Unlike director Michael Mann’s 2006 stylized, contemporary film adaptation starring Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx, the new Miami Vice movie will function as a period piece set explicitly in the mid-1980s. The narrative draws its direct inspiration from the pilot episode and the initial season of the landmark NBC television series created by Anthony Yerkovich, which heavily influenced global pop culture, music, and fashion trends during its original broadcast run.
The screenplay for Miami Vice ’85 was penned by Dan Gilroy, whose previous credits include Nightcrawler and Andor, following an earlier draft written by Eric Warren Singer. Dylan Clark is producing the feature alongside Joseph Kosinski.
Production Timeline and Release
Universal Pictures has scheduled the film for a wide theatrical release in the premium IMAX format on May 19, 2028. Principal photography is slated to begin later this year, with a scheduled production start in November. Filming venues and locations will primarily include New York and Miami.
The technical approach aims to bring modern cinematic scale to the retro aesthetic, utilizing specialized IMAX camera packages similar to the techniques Joseph Kosinski deployed for his recent action and racing features.
0 Comments