Michael B. Jordan Suits up as Rico Tubbs in First ‘Miami Vice’ Set Photos
Joseph Kosinski has built a career out of breathing new life into beloved properties, and his next project might be his most stylish swing yet. The ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and ‘F1’ director is rebooting ‘Miami Vice’ for Universal Pictures, based on the 1980s TV series that ran for 5 seasons from 1984 to 1989. The show was known for its use of contemporary pop music, its influence on men’s fashion, and putting its stars in cool cars.
The new film, titled ‘Miami Vice ’85’, is inspired by the pilot episode and first season of the series and explores the glamour and corruption of mid-1980s Miami. Dan Gilroy wrote the script, reworking an earlier draft from Eric Warren Singer, and the movie is being filmed for IMAX.
Now fans have a fresh look at one of the film’s leads in action. New set photos shared by Complex Pop Culture show Michael B. Jordan as Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs in a light gray suit, black shirt, and white tie, finished with white shoes and a gun in hand. One shot catches him adjusting his jacket beside a dark vintage car on a wet street, while another shows him standing before a brick building with a stern, focused expression.
The images were captured as Jordan filmed scenes in New York, running through city alleys as Tubbs. The sleek, stylized look feels clearly rooted in the 1980s. It’s a shift from Universal’s official first-look image released on October 12. That picture showed Jordan bearded and stern in all-black attire with a tie and a long leather coat.
First look at Michael B. Jordan on set of ‘MIAMI VICE’ https://t.co/DxbOqcHGlR
— Complex Pop Culture (@ComplexPop) October 23, 2026
Jordan stars opposite Austin Butler, who plays James “Sonny” Crockett. Official images showed Butler aiming a gun in a gray suit, while set photos from New Jersey caught him in pastel and white.
Kosinski was enthusiastic about the duo from the start. Speaking at the Hamilton Behind the Camera Awards, he told Variety that Jordan was “someone I’ve admired for a long time,” while Butler was “proving himself as someone to watch.” He also confirmed the film takes place in 1985.
Michael B. Jordan runs through New York City alleys as Detective Ricardo Tubbs on the set of "Miami Vice." 🤩 📷: Getty https://t.co/t7jqgyaXYO
— TMZ (@TMZ) October 23, 2026
The pair steps into some famous shoes. Tubbs was originally played by Philip Michael Thomas in the TV series and by Jamie Foxx in Michael Mann’s 2006 film, while Crockett was previously portrayed by Don Johnson and Colin Farrell.
The ensemble keeps growing. Walton Goggins plays the film’s villain, and the cast also includes Danny Ramirez, Dominic Sessa, John Leguizamo, André Holland and Michael Irby. Jordan arrives on set fresh off an Oscar win for ‘Sinners’, making this his latest big-screen project after collecting the Academy Award. Butler, meanwhile, is an Academy Award nominee, giving the reboot considerable star power at its core.
🚨| RICARDO TUBBS IN ACTION! 👀🔥 Michael B. Jordan spotted filming on the set of ‘Miami Vice ’85’ in NY tonight🌴🎬 https://t.co/1AVXcInBbK
— Miami Vice ‘85 Crave (@MiamiViceCrave) October 23, 2026
Fans will need some patience. ‘Miami Vice ’85’ was originally set for August 6, 2027, but the release has been moved to May 19, 2028, giving the film a prime spot in the summer season.
Kosinski is producing alongside Dylan Clark, whose credits include ‘The Batman’. With production now underway and set photos already generating excitement, the reboot is quickly shaping up to be one of Universal’s most anticipated titles.
Which aspect of Miami Vice '85 are you most excited about?
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