Oscar Winner Michael B. Jordan Sets the Record Straight on Miami Vice Reboot Casting Rumors
At a pre-Oscars event, Oscar winner Michael B. Jordan fanned the flames around Universal’s Miami Vice reboot, sidestepping whether he’ll suit up as Detective Rico Tubbs and letting a sly smile do the talking. The coy dodge has fans connecting the dots.
Michael B. Jordan finally acknowledged the Miami Vice chatter on the Oscars red carpet, and the grin did most of the talking. He kept it playful, but the vibe was clear: this thing has heat.
Jordan teases, keeps the door wide open
Asked point-blank about Universal's Miami Vice reboot, Jordan offered a sun-soaked non-answer that sounded a lot like interest:
"I mean, who doesn't want to be in Miami? Miami's nice... It's a great project."
Not a confirmation, but definitely a flirt.
The casting shuffle: from whispers to a front-runner
The roles of Sonny Crockett and Rico Tubbs have been bouncing around the rumor mill for months. Last fall, Glen Powell was floated for Sonny. More recently, Austin Butler emerged as the new favorite for Crockett. The behind-the-scenes wrinkle: Butler reportedly went straight to Jordan to pitch himself as the perfect Sonny to Jordan's Rico. After that, Jordan advocated for Butler with studio execs. That is some proactive co-star matchmaking.
Why the package matters
Universal has Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) directing, which explains the buzz. Dan Gilroy is writing the script, working from an earlier draft by Eric Warren Singer. Kosinski is producing alongside Dylan Clark. Cameras are expected to roll this year, and the studio already planted a flag for August 2027.
Rico Tubbs carries history
If Jordan steps in, he follows Philip Michael Thomas, who originated Tubbs on NBC's 1984-1989 series, and Jamie Foxx, who played him in Michael Mann's 2006 film. The original show minted pop icons and doubled as a launchpad for then-unknowns like Bruce Willis, Julia Roberts, and Ben Stiller through memorably slick guest spots.
What we know right now
- Studio: Universal Pictures
- Director: Joseph Kosinski
- Screenplay: Dan Gilroy, based on an earlier draft by Eric Warren Singer
- Producers: Joseph Kosinski, Dylan Clark
- Cast in the mix: Michael B. Jordan for Rico Tubbs; Austin Butler now frontrunner for Sonny Crockett after earlier Glen Powell chatter
- Production: expected to start this year
- Release: slated for August 2027