A Trip Back to the 80s: Miami Vice Reboot Confirmed for 2027

In a wave of nostalgia-driven reboots, Universal Pictures has confirmed that the iconic 80s crime drama Miami Vice is returning to the big screen. Set to be released on August 6, 2027, the new film, helmed by director Joseph Kosinski of Top Gun: Maverick and F1 fame, will be a period piece, transporting audiences back to the neon-soaked, high-stakes world of mid-80s Miami. This move is a clear signal that the studio is betting big on the enduring appeal of the era that defined the original series.

This is the second time the classic NBC series has been adapted into a film, following the 2006 version directed by Michael Mann and starring Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx. Unlike that film, which adopted a grittier, contemporary feel, Kosinski’s reboot is a deliberate return to the source material’s stylistic roots. The director, a self-professed fan of the original show, aims to explore “the glamour and corruption” of the era, drawing inspiration from the series’ pilot and first season.

Why a Period Piece is the Right Move

The decision to set the Miami Vice reboot in the 1980s is arguably the most crucial detail of the project. The original series was not just a police procedural; it was a cultural phenomenon that was inseparable from its time. The pastel suits, the sleek sports cars, the synthesizer-heavy soundtrack, and the specific aesthetic of Art Deco-era Miami were all central to its identity. By choosing to make the film a period piece, Kosinski and his team are directly leaning into what made the original so special.

• Capturing the Authentic Vibe: The 80s setting allows the film to authentically recreate the visual and sonic language of the original show without feeling like a dated retread. It’s a chance to tell a story unburdened by modern technology, where communication isn’t instant and a car chase still feels like a high-stakes, dramatic event.
• A High-Value Cinematic Experience: With a director known for shooting with IMAX cameras, the new Miami Vice is being designed as a visually stunning spectacle. The aesthetic of the 80s, with its vibrant colors and cinematic textures, is perfectly suited for the large format, promising an immersive experience that will draw audiences into the world of Crockett and Tubbs.
• Nostalgia and Freshness: The project is poised to capitalize on the powerful current of 80s nostalgia, a trend that has been a major success for franchises like Stranger Things and Cobra Kai. Simultaneously, by revisiting the era, the film can introduce a new generation of viewers to the unique style and storytelling of the original, creating a fresh and exciting entry point.

Production Details and What’s to Come

While casting for the iconic roles of Detectives James “Sonny” Crockett and Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs is currently underway, production is set to begin in 2026. The screenplay is being penned by Dan Gilroy (Nightcrawler) and Eric Singer (American Hustle), working from a script by Anthony Yerkovich, the creator of the original series. This creative team, with their track record of crafting tense, character-driven narratives, promises a high-quality crime thriller that goes beyond simple fan service.

The film is entering a busy market for 80s nostalgia, with the highly anticipated game Grand Theft Auto VI also set in a fictionalized version of modern-day Miami. The release of a new Miami Vice movie will only add to the pop culture conversation, bringing the glamour, corruption, and unforgettable style of the 1980s back into the mainstream in a very big way. Fans are eagerly waiting to see who will step into the pastel suits and drive the iconic Ferrari, as this reboot has the potential to become a definitive cinematic event of 2027.