NEED TO KNOW
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Austin Butler has made his first appearance as Sonny Crockett in Miami Vice ’85 as filming begins
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Universal Pictures also revealed Michael B. Jordan as Crockett’s partner, Ricardo Tubbs
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The Joseph Kosinski-directed film is inspired by the original 1980s crime series and is scheduled to hit theaters May 19, 2028
Austin Butler is stepping into the role of one of television’s most recognizable detectives.
The actor, 35, has been spotted in character as James “Sonny” Crockett for the first time as filming gets underway on Miami Vice ’85.
Universal Pictures unveiled a photo of Butler in character on Monday, Oct. 12. “Austin Butler is Crockett. Miami Vice ’85 – now in production,” the studio wrote alongside the image of the actor posing in a gray suit and aiming a firearm.
Austin Butler is seen on set for the first time as James Sonny Crockett while filming Miami Vice 85
Credit: SONIC / BACKGRID
The studio also revealed a first look at Michael B. Jordan as Crockett’s partner, Ricardo Tubbs. “Michael B. Jordan is Tubbs. Miami Vice ’85 – now in production,” Universal wrote in the caption of Jordan’s photo. In the photo, the Creed actor, 39, is in character holding a gun and wearing an all-black look including a leather trench coat over a matching shirt and tie.
The upcoming film is a new take on the hit 1980s NBC crime drama, which starred Don Johnson as Crockett and Philip Michael Thomas as Tubbs. Butler and Jordan were both announced for the lead roles last year, bringing the iconic detective duo to the big screen for a new generation.
Austin Butler is seen on set for the first time as James Sonny Crockett while filming Miami Vice 85
Credit: SONIC / BACKGRID
Behind the camera, Joseph Kosinski, the filmmaker behind Top Gun: Maverick and F1, is directing the project. Dan Gilroy, whose writing credits include Nightcrawler and The Bourne Legacy, penned the screenplay based on characters created by Anthony Yerkovich for the original series, according to Variety.
Kosinski is producing the film alongside Dylan Clark, and he is reuniting with cinematographer Claudio Miranda, who previously collaborated with him on F1 and Top Gun: Maverick, according to The Wrap.
Austin Butler is seen on set for the first time as James Sonny Crockett while filming Miami Vice 85
Credit: SONIC / BACKGRID
Rather than simply revisit the television show’s story, the film will draw inspiration from its 1984 pilot and first season. The movie is expected to explore “the glamour and corruption of mid-80’s Miami,” Variety reported.
Butler and Jordan will be joined by an ensemble cast that includes Alden Ehrenreich, Whitney Peak, Camila Morrone, Danny Ramirez, John Leguizamo, Andrew Schulz, Edi Gathegi, Walton Goggins, André Holland and Michael Irby, according to Variety.
The film marks another major project for both leading men. Butler most recently appeared in Caught Stealing, playing a former baseball player who becomes entangled with organized crime in New York City, and had a supporting role in Eddington.
Austin Butler is seen on set for the first time as James Sonny Crockett while filming Miami Vice 85
Credit: Bobby Bank/GC Images
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Jordan, meanwhile, starred in Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, playing twin brothers in the vampire film. He is also preparing to direct and star opposite Adria Arjona in a new version of The Thomas Crown Affair.
Miami Vice ’85 is scheduled to hit theaters exclusively on May 19, 2028.
Read the original article on People
