Butler and Jordan in Talks for Miami Vice Reboot: Fans Divided on Another Remake
Austin Butler and Michael B. Jordan are reportedly in negotiations to star in an upcoming reboot of the iconic “Miami Vice” franchise, stirring a mix of excitement and skepticism among fans. The potential casting, first reported by Variety in October 2025, would see Butler stepping into the role of James “Sonny” Crockett (previously portrayed by Don Johnson in the 1980s TV series and Colin Farrell in the 2006 film), while Jordan would take on the character of Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs (originally played by Phillip Michael Thomas and later by Jamie Foxx). This high-profile pairing has generated significant buzz on social media, with many fans expressing enthusiasm about the potential chemistry between these two acclaimed actors despite reservations about Hollywood’s continued reliance on reboots.
The announcement has revealed a clear division among entertainment enthusiasts. Many supporters have embraced the casting choices with comments like “This casting is perfect” while simultaneously acknowledging the industry’s reboot fatigue. Others have voiced more pointed criticism about the lack of original storytelling in contemporary Hollywood, questioning the necessity of revisiting the Miami Vice universe for a third iteration. As one social media user pointedly asked, “Why is everything nowadays a reboot or prequel? No more original movies.” Despite these concerns, supporters have countered with pragmatic responses, suggesting that viewers who aren’t interested can simply choose not to watch, emphasizing that fresh talent can bring new life to established properties.
The project is moving forward under the direction of Joseph Kosinski with production led by Dylan Clark, and Universal has already staked its claim on a summer release date of August 6, 2027. This timeline suggests confidence in the project’s commercial potential, banking on the star power of Butler and Jordan to attract both nostalgic fans of the original series and younger audiences drawn to contemporary action cinema. The Miami Vice reboot joins a growing trend of studios revitalizing established intellectual properties with fresh casts while maintaining the core elements that made the originals successful – in this case, the stylish aesthetic and crime-fighting partnership set against the vibrant backdrop of Miami.
Both actors bring impressive recent credentials to the project. Butler was most recently featured in Darren Aronofsky’s “Caught Stealing,” a 1990s-set thriller adapted from Charlie Huston’s book series. In the film, Butler plays Hank, a former baseball player turned bartender who becomes entangled in unexpected danger after agreeing to watch a neighbor’s cat. In discussing this role with USA Today in August 2025, Butler highlighted his desire to challenge himself with diverse characters, noting how this part differed from his recent work where he transformed himself physically and vocally for his roles. This versatility suggests Butler could bring an interesting interpretation to the smooth-talking Crockett character, potentially distinguishing his performance from his predecessors.
Meanwhile, Jordan comes to the project riding high on the critical acclaim for his performance in Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” a film that dominated the domestic box office upon its release in April 2025. Industry observers have suggested this performance could finally earn Jordan his first Academy Award nomination, further elevating his already impressive career. The success of “Sinners” also demonstrates the strong collaborative relationship between Jordan and Coogler, with the director expressing amazement at the film’s commercial success despite its personal, character-driven nature. Coogler noted the film’s personal inspiration, saying, “This movie is about, like, my uncle,” highlighting the authentic storytelling that resonated with audiences despite not being part of an established franchise.
Interestingly, Coogler’s comments about “Sinners” inadvertently speak to the broader debate surrounding the Miami Vice reboot. The director explicitly mentioned his desire to step away from franchise filmmaking, stating, “I’ve been in a space of making franchise films for a bit, so I wanted to get away from that.” He emphasized the fulfillment he found in creating something “original and personal” and delivering something “unique” to audiences. This perspective encapsulates the tension at the heart of contemporary Hollywood – the commercial safety of familiar properties versus the creative satisfaction and audience appreciation for original storytelling. As Butler and Jordan potentially prepare to don the stylish attire of Miami’s most famous fictional detectives, the industry continues to navigate this balance between nostalgia and innovation, with audiences ultimately deciding whether this particular reboot will justify its existence through fresh interpretation or merely confirm criticisms about Hollywood’s reliance on recycled ideas.
