Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler could be inhabiting one of the ’80s most iconic roles.
Variety reports that the Sinners star is in early talks to star as Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs in Joseph Kosinski’s film reboot of Miami Vice. The role was originated by Philip Michael Thomas in the 1980s hit series. It was later reported by Deadline that Butler was circling the James “Sonny” Crockett role, originally played by Don Johnson.
Kosinski’s version of the story will be set in the 1980s, seemingly prepared to recreate the tropical allure Miami had over pop culture at the time.
What we know so far about the new ‘Miami Vice’ film
According to the official logline as reported by Variety, the film “explores the glamour and corruption of mid-80’s Miami” and is “inspired by the pilot episode and the first season of the landmark television series that influenced culture and set the style of everything from fashion to filmmaking.”
Kosinski will also produce with Dylan Clark. Eric Warren Singer and Dan Gilroy serve as screenwriters. Production will start next year.
When was the last ‘Miami Vice’ film?
This isn’t the first time Miami Vice has been brought to the big screen. Jamie Foxx inhabited the role of Tubbs in the 2006 action film adaptation written, produced and directed by Michael Mann. Foxx starred alongside Colin Farrell, who played Don Johnson’s role of James Crockett.