In the ever-evolving landscape of film adaptations, exciting news has emerged for fans of classic 80s television. Joseph Kosinski, the acclaimed director behind the blockbuster hit “Top Gun: Maverick,” will helm a new cinematic version of “Miami Vice” for Universal Pictures. This announcement promises to breathe fresh life into the iconic series that defined the style and pop culture of a decade.
Joseph Kosinski Takes on the Miami Vice Legacy
By Tommy McArdle Updated on April 28, 2025 06:15PM EDT 2 Comments
The news that Kosinski will direct this fresh adaptation represents a significant commitment from Universal Pictures to revitalize the franchise with a contemporary approach. Dan Gilroy, the screenwriter known for works like “Nightcrawler” and “The Bourne Legacy,” is confirmed to adapt the 1980s television series for the big screen.
This won’t be the first time “Miami Vice” has hit theaters. In 2006, Michael Mann, who served as executive producer of the original series, directed an adaptation starring Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell. That version received mixed reviews from both audiences and critics, making this new attempt a particularly interesting challenge for Kosinski and his team.
The original series, which aired from 1984 to 1989, became a cultural phenomenon, starring Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas as Miami undercover detectives. The show not only revolutionized television aesthetics of the time but also significantly influenced fashion, music, and visual style throughout the 80s.
Kosinski’s Rising Star in Hollywood
Kosinski’s career reached new heights in 2022 when “Top Gun: Maverick” captivated audiences worldwide and became one of the year’s highest-grossing films. His upcoming project, “F1” starring Brad Pitt, is set to release in theaters on June 27. According to industry reports, Kosinski has been discussing working on the Miami Vice project for some time.
Despite the enormous success of “Maverick,” Paramount Pictures hasn’t yet officially greenlit a sequel to the Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, and Glen Powell-led fighter pilot action drama—itself a long-awaited sequel to a beloved 1980s property.
What This Means for the Miami Vice Brand
The decision to bring “Miami Vice” back to theaters with a director of Kosinski’s caliber suggests studio confidence in both the enduring appeal of the property and the director’s ability to modernize classic material for contemporary audiences.
In March 2024, producer Jerry Bruckheimer told PEOPLE that Cruise had been pitched “a story he liked” for a third “Top Gun,” but noted at the time that Cruise has numerous projects in development. “He’s a very in-demand actor and he’s got a lot of movies lined up, so we have to wait and see,” Bruckheimer said.
Since directing “Maverick,” Kosinski has completed one other film: 2022’s “Spiderhead” with Chris Hemsworth. His highly anticipated “F1,” which filmed at several real-life F1 Grand Prix events in recent years, will debut in theaters on June 27.
The Legacy of Miami Vice
The original “Miami Vice” television series wasn’t just a police procedural—it was a cultural touchstone that influenced everything from fashion to music to television production values. Its distinctive visual style, characterized by pastel colors, stylish clothing, and atmospheric cinematography, created an aesthetic that remains immediately recognizable decades later.
Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas became household names through their portrayal of detectives Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs, bringing a unique chemistry and coolness factor that helped define the show’s appeal. Johnson’s recent revelations about filming with his untrained pet alligator on set highlight the sometimes wild production environment of the original series.
What to Expect from the New Adaptation
While specific details about the plot and casting remain under wraps, Kosinski’s involvement suggests the new film will likely feature the high production values and visual flair that have become hallmarks of his directorial style. His work on “Top Gun: Maverick” demonstrated his ability to honor a beloved property while simultaneously updating it for modern audiences—a skill that will be crucial for this “Miami Vice” adaptation.
The challenge for Kosinski and Gilroy will be capturing the essence of what made “Miami Vice” special while avoiding the pitfalls that affected the 2006 adaptation. Finding the right balance between nostalgia and innovation will be key to the project’s success.
The Future of Rebooted Classics
This new “Miami Vice” adaptation continues Hollywood’s ongoing trend of revisiting and rebooting successful properties from previous decades. The approach has yielded mixed results, with some reboots achieving both critical and commercial success while others have struggled to connect with audiences.
Kosinski’s track record with “Top Gun: Maverick”—a sequel that arrived 36 years after the original film—suggests he understands the delicate art of honoring source material while creating something fresh. This bodes well for the “Miami Vice” project, which faces similar challenges in updating a distinctly 80s property for 2020s audiences.
As more details emerge about casting, production timelines, and creative direction, fans of the original series will undoubtedly watch closely to see how this new interpretation takes shape. With Kosinski at the helm and Gilroy crafting the screenplay, the project certainly has the creative pedigree to potentially deliver a compelling new chapter in the “Miami Vice” legacy.
Whether this new adaptation will capture the cultural zeitgeist as effectively as the original series remains to be seen, but the combination of a proven director, experienced screenwriter, and iconic source material certainly creates intriguing possibilities for this latest trip to the sun-soaked streets of Miami.