The neon lights are shining on visionary director Joseph Kosinski as he prepares to reimagine the iconic 1980s series Miami Vice. The hit NBC show means a lot to Kosinski, so it’s important for him that he gets it right. The Top Gun: Maverick director talked about the remake with Steve Weintraub at a recent Collider screening of his high-velocity summer blockbuster F1: The Movie. With Kosinski having already tackled fighter jets (in Maverick) and race cars (in F1), Kosinski is ready to turn his attention to another high-speed mode of transportation: “Usually, people say planes, cars, and obviously boats are next.” Boats, of course, are an iconic part of Miami Vice, which Kosinski describes as a formative series for him:
“Every other person who is my age, in 1985, when they were all looking at comic books or playing with Star Wars figures or Transformers toys, I was watching Miami Vice. For me, that television show is a very important part of me growing up and introduced me to the work of Michael Mann. I have a soft spot for that era, having grown up in it. I did not grow up in Miami, but I’m very excited about that. I don’t want to say too much about it, but we’re working on it now.”
Kosinski’s involvement with the project was announced earlier this year; it is set to be penned by Dan Gilroy (Nightcrawler).
What Is ‘Miami Vice’ About?

Philip Michael Thomas and Don Johnson in a car in Miami Vice.
Image via NBC

Pitched to NBC with the logline “MTV cops,” Miami Vice starred Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas as Sonny Crockett and Rico Tubbs, two vice cops trying to keep the peace in the neon-lit world of 1980s Miami. Upon its premiere in 1984, the show was an enormous hit, thanks to its dazzling cinematography, high-octane action, and soundtrack of iconic ’80s pop hits. Even its instrumental theme song, by composer Jan Hammer, became a Billboard hit. However, the show was also very expensive; when its ratings began to decline in 1990, it was decided that the show had run its course, and it was cancelled after five seasons. Mann, who executive produced the series, brought it back as a theatrical film in 2006 with Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx as Crockett and Tubbs; it received mixed reviews at the time, but has since become a cult favorite among Mann aficionados.
What Is ‘F1: The Movie’ About?

Set in the fast-paced world of motorsports, F1 follows washed-up Formula One racer Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), who’s lured back into the driver’s seat to mentor up-and-coming driver Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). As they race for glory, the two men bond, and Hayes begins to rebuild his life. The film has so far grossed over $575 million USD at the international box office; in his review, Collider’s Ross Bonaime declared it was “quite possibly one of the most impressive and exciting racing films ever made.” F1: The Movie is now in theaters. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates.