Tom Cruise Could Be the Villain in the Miami Vice Reboot, Alongside Austin Butler
The buzz is building around Joseph Kosinski’s upcoming Miami Vice reboot, and the latest rumor is a major one: Tom Cruise is potentially set to play the film’s antagonist. This would mark a return to villainous roles for Cruise, who last truly embraced the dark side in 2004’s Collateral, where he portrayed a chillingly composed hitman.
While unconfirmed, the possibility gains traction considering Cruise’s strong working relationship with Kosinski, forged through successful collaborations on Oblivion (2013) and the blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick (2022). If the reports are accurate, Cruise will share the screen with Austin Butler (known for his roles in Caught Stealing, Masters of the Air, and the highly anticipated Dune: Part Two) and Oscar-winner Michael B. Jordan (Sinners, Black Panther, Creed), who are slated to portray James ‘Sonny’ Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs, respectively.
Production for the Miami Vice reboot is expected to begin this summer in Miami. Cruise’s schedule conveniently aligns with this timeframe, as he’s free until the promotional tour for Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s Digger kicks off in September.
A Stylish Return to the 80s
Dan Gilroy (Andor, Nightcrawler) is penning the script, building upon an initial draft by Eric Warren Singer (Top Gun: Maverick). Kosinski also contributed to the screenplay for Top Gun: Maverick, demonstrating his commitment to crafting compelling narratives.
The reboot aims to capture the essence of the original series, exploring “the glamour and corruption of mid-80’s Miami,” drawing inspiration from the pilot episode and first season of the iconic NBC show. The original Miami Vice, starring Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas, ran for 111 episodes from 1984 to 1989 and significantly impacted pop culture, influencing fashion and filmmaking.
A 2006 remake, directed by Michael Mann and starring Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx, received mixed reviews and a lukewarm box office response, but has since gained a cult following. This new iteration hopes to build on that legacy and deliver a fresh take on the beloved series.
What are your thoughts on Tom Cruise potentially joining the cast as the villain? Are you a fan of the original Miami Vice television series? The pieces are falling into place for what could be a truly special film.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Miami Vice reboot as they become available!
