Michael B. Jordan walked into a Universal executive’s office wearing a pastel blazer and Ray-Bans last month. The message was clear: he wants to be the new Sonny Crockett. Sources confirm he’s in serious negotiations for the studio’s planned Michael B. Jordan Miami Vice reboot.
Numbers Game
Universal is investing $80 million in the Michael B. Jordan Miami Vice project, making it their biggest action bet since Fast X. The budget reflects Jordan’s current $15-20 million asking price plus extensive Miami location shooting and period-accurate supercars.
Director Nia DaCosta (The Marvels) is attached, marking her first major studio action film. The script comes from Bad Boys for Life writers Chris Bremner and Peter Craig, who’ve updated the 1980s setting to present-day but kept the aesthetic and musical elements that made the original series iconic.
Jordan’s deal includes producer credits through his Outlier Society banner, giving him creative control over casting and story direction. He’s already suggested several actors for the Ricardo Tubbs role, including his Creed co-star Tessa Thompson and Black Panther castmate Daniel Kaluuya.
Modern Update
The Michael B. Jordan Miami Vice concept transplants the undercover cop premise to contemporary Miami’s cryptocurrency and social media-fueled crime landscape. Instead of Colombian cartels, Jordan’s Crockett investigates international money laundering through NFTs and digital currencies.
“It’s not a period piece,” Jordan explained during initial pitch meetings. “We’re keeping the style and attitude but updating everything else.” The film will feature modern supercars – McLarens and Lamborghinis instead of Ferraris and Porsches – but maintain the show’s obsession with automotive excess.
Jan Hammer’s iconic electronic score gets updated by Ludwig Göransson (Black Panther, The Mandalorian), who’s created contemporary versions of classic Miami Vice themes. The soundtrack will blend ’80s synthwave with modern hip-hop and Latin influences reflecting Miami’s current culture.
Casting Developments
Industry insiders suggest Michael B. Jordan Miami Vice casting is further along than publicly acknowledged. LaKeith Stanfield has reportedly tested for Tubbs, while Zendaya and Lupita Nyong’o are both being courted for the female lead role – a composite character combining elements from the original series’ various love interests.
The film will acknowledge but not directly connect to Mann’s 2006 Miami Vice movie starring Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx, which earned $163 million worldwide despite mixed reviews. Universal wants to distance this version from that film’s darker, more realistic approach.
Jordan’s version reportedly emphasizes the buddy cop chemistry and stylistic excess that made the original series appointment television. “Michael gets the fantasy element,” DaCosta said. “This isn’t a gritty crime drama. It’s aspirational entertainment.”
Production Timeline
Michael B. Jordan Miami Vice aims to begin filming in spring 2026, with Universal targeting summer 2027 release. The schedule allows Jordan to complete Creed IV and fulfill his Black Panther commitments first.
Pre-production is already underway in Miami, with location scouts identifying contemporary settings that can substitute for the glamorous 1980s aesthetic. South Beach, Biscayne Bay, and downtown Miami’s financial district will feature prominently.
The costume department is working with high-end fashion designers to create a modern equivalent of the original show’s Armani-heavy wardrobe. Jordan’s character will wear brands like Tom Ford, Saint Laurent, and Off-White – updating the luxury fashion element for contemporary audiences.
Universal’s confidence stems from Jordan’s proven box office track record. His starring vehicles have earned over $1.2 billion globally, with Black Panther ($1.3B), Creed franchise ($600M+), and Without Remorse all performing strongly across demographics.
The Michael B. Jordan Miami Vice announcement comes as studios actively seek recognizable IP that can be updated for modern audiences. Universal’s successful Fast & Furious franchise proves action movies with style and attitude can generate massive returns when properly executed.
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