John Leguizamo Cast as Cartel Leader in 'Miami Vice '85'
John Leguizamo will play a cartel leader in the upcoming film 'Miami Vice '85', directed by Joseph Kosinski. The movie stars Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler as Crockett and Tubbs, and is based on the original pilot episode. It is scheduled for release on May 19, 2028.
The film revisits the 1984 pilot “Brother’s Keeper,” where Crockett and Tubbs first team up to dismantle a Colombian drug operation while battling an internal mole. Leguizamo’s role as the cartel leader places him opposite Jordan and Butler, who inherit roles previously played by Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas, then Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx. The production also includes a script by Dan Gilroy and a supporting cast featuring Whitney Peak and Alden Ehrenreich. Separately, Michael Mann’s original 2006 film will debut a new director’s cut at Beyond Fest, offering a fresh look at that earlier adaptation.
This casting could reignite interest in the enduring Miami Vice franchise, drawing both nostalgic viewers and younger audiences familiar with Jordan and Butler. The film’s 2028 release may also influence how studios approach rebooting iconic TV properties, balancing period authenticity with modern star power. Leguizamo’s villain role could broaden his dramatic range, while the project’s success might shape future pilot-to-feature adaptations. However, its impact depends on execution and audience reception, which remain uncertain.