Edi Gathegi has joined the ensemble for Joseph Kosinski's upcoming cinematic reimagining, Miami Vice '85. The actor will portray an ambitious small-time criminal, adding to a high-profile cast that includes Austin Butler and Michael B. Jordan. Universal has scheduled the film for a theatrical debut on May 19, 2028.
Edi Gathegi brings 'Mr. Terrific' energy to the underworld
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Edi Gathegi will play a crook whose drive for success eventually lands him in significant trouble. Gathegi is currently experiencing a surge in visibility following his performance as the tech genius Mr. Terrific in the recent Superman film, a role he is expected to reprise in the upcoming Man of Tomorrow. His casting in Miami Vice '85 suggests a desire by the production to pair established character actors with the film's primary A-list leads.
Beyond his recent superhero work, Gathegi brings a diverse filmography to the project, having appeared in X-Men: First Class, the Twilight saga,and the series For All Mankind. His presence in the cast adds a layer of versatility to a story that promises to blend the grit of the criminal underworld with the stylized excess of the 1980s.
Austin Butler and Michael B. Jordan lead the 1980s reimagining
The central dynamic of Miami Vice '85 rests on the pairing of Austin Butler and Michael B. Jordan, who will portray the iconic mismatched detectives Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs. As reported by Collider, the film aims to capture the "sun and sin-soaked" atmosphere of 1980s Miami, updating the original television series created by Anthony Yerkovich and produced by Michael Mann for a modern audience.
The supporting cast is equally dense, featuring a mix of established stars and rising talent. The lineup includes Alden Ehrenreich, Whitney Peak, Camila Morrone, Danny Ramirez, John Leguizamo, and Andrew Schulz. This ensemble approach suggests that while Crockett and Tubbs are the focal points, the film will build a wide, textured world of Miami's social and criminal strata.
November production kicks off across New York and Miami
The production timeline for Miami Vice '85 is moving rapidly, with filming reportedly set to begin in November. To capture the necessary scale and aesthetic, the production will split its time between New York and Miami. This dual-location approach may indicate a plot that extends beyond the Florida coast, perhaps linking the Miami drug trade to Northern hubs.
The long lead time before the May 19, 2028, release date suggests a rigorous post-production phase.. Given Joseph Kosinski's penchant for visual spectacle, it is likely that the film will utilize extensive cinematography and effects to recreate the neon-lit aesthetic of the era without relying solely on digital sets.
Joseph Kosinski's shift from Top Gun: Maverick to neon-soaked vice
The appointment of Joseph Kosinski as director marks a fascinating pivot in style. Kosinski previously demonstrated his ability to handle high-octane action and massive scale with Top Gun: Maverick, which also featured cast member Danny Ramirez. By moving from the cockpit to the streets of 1980s Miami, Kosinski is leaning into a trend of high-budget, stylized period pieces that prioritize sensory immersion.
This project echoes the broader industry trend of "prestige nostalgia," where classic IP is not merely remade but reimagined through the lens of a director with a specific visual signature. The influence of Michael Mann's original production style—characterized by moody lighting and a focus on professional competence—will likely clash and blend with Kosinski's more polished, modern cinematic approach.
The missing details on the '85 script and plot
Despite the announcement of the cast and filming dates, several key elements of the project remain opaque. It is currently unclear whether Miami Vice '85 is a direct prequel to the original series, a complete reboot, or a standalone story set in that era. Furthermore, the source reporting does not specify if the film will follow a serialized plot or a single, contained criminal case.
There is also the question of the musical direction. The original series was as famous for its soundtrack as it was for its plot; whether Kosinski will utilize a period-accurate synth-wave score or a contemporary interpretation remains to be seen.
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