Los Angeles, California — Joseph Kosinski, known for his work on “Top Gun: Maverick,” is gearing up to direct a remake of the iconic 1980s series “Miami Vice” for Universal Pictures. With a notable background in high-profile films, Kosinski will be stepping into a project that captures the essence of the original show’s thrilling blend of action, style, and drama.
Dan Gilroy, acclaimed for his screenwriting in films like “Nightcrawler” and “The Bourne Legacy,” is at the helm of adapting the screenplay. Although plot specifics remain under wraps, this adaptation aims to revive the exciting narrative of undercover detectives navigating the vibrant yet dangerous underbelly of South Florida. The original series, which aired from 1984 to 1989, earned a loyal fanbase during its five-season run on NBC, partly due to its memorable characters portrayed by Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas.
The previous attempt to bring “Miami Vice” to the big screen in 2006 featured Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell, but despite a promising start, it struggled at the box office, grossing $165 million against a production budget of $135 million. Over time, however, it has garnered a cult following, indicating that the allure of the “Miami Vice” brand remains strong.
Casting details for the new film have yet to be disclosed, but Kosinski’s involvement goes beyond direction; he will also produce the film through his production company, Monolith. Collaborating with him is Dylan Clark, who has partnered with Kosinski on projects like the sci-fi action film “Oblivion.” Clark will produce the film under his own banner, ensuring a blend of creative influences on the project.
Universal’s Sara Scott, executive vice president of production development, is overseeing the project, which has the potential to draw both new audiences and longtime fans of the original series. With an eye on producing a fresh take that maintains the core elements that made the series resonate with viewers, the team appears poised to deliver a modern interpretation.
Kosinski’s recent success with “Top Gun: Maverick,” which soared to nearly $1.5 billion at the global box office, highlights his capacity for navigating large-scale productions. His next film, a racing drama starring Brad Pitt titled “F1,” is set for a summer release. Before diverting his attention to “Miami Vice,” Kosinski is also working on a UFO conspiracy thriller for Apple, continuing to explore diverse genres and themes in his filmmaking endeavors.
As anticipation builds for this remake, fans are eager to see how the nostalgic elements of the original will be reimagined for a contemporary audience. With strong creative forces behind the project, “Miami Vice” is poised to make a significant splash upon its eventual release.