Universal has released the first official images of Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler as detectives Ricardo Tubbs and Sonny Crockett in the upcoming film "Miami Vice '85." Initial reactions suggest the film's aesthetic leans towards the later seasons of the original NBC series, sparking debate among fans about its stylistic choices.
The initial photos presented a darker visual tone, which some felt deviated from the iconic pastel palette that defined the early seasons of the 1984-1989 show. The original "Miami Vice" famously established a pastel color scheme in its first two seasons, with Don Johnson's Sonny Crockett often depicted in brightly colored linen suits. This visual identity became a shorthand for '80s pop culture, influencing media like "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City."
However, the series evolved its look starting with its third season in 1986, adopting a darker color palette and, notably, introducing a white Ferrari Testarossa to replace Crockett's destroyed black Daytona Spyder. The first look images from "Miami Vice '85," showing Jordan and Butler in more muted attire, have drawn comparisons to this later period. Butler's outfit and sunglasses in particular have been noted as closely resembling Don Johnson's style from the show's more contemporary iterations.
Director Joseph Kosinski, a self-proclaimed fan of the original series, is behind "Miami Vice '85." While the film is reportedly adapting storylines from the pilot and first season, the visual direction has led some fans to express a desire for a more direct embrace of the 1985 aesthetic. Some viewers have voiced concerns that the film may be opting for a late-'80s feel over the specific look of 1985, when the show was at the height of its pastel-noir phase.
Despite the initial aesthetic concerns, new behind-the-scenes photos have emerged that show Jordan and Butler in looks more aligned with the classic TV show's iconic style, assuaging some fans' doubts. Jordan's portrayal of Tubbs has been rationalized by some, suggesting his leather trenchcoat could represent Tubbs' background as a New York City cop. The film's inclusion of accurate prop firearms and Crockett's gold watch have been seen as positive details.
Ultimately, the "Miami Vice '85" team faces the challenge of balancing fan expectations for period authenticity with their own artistic vision for a modern reboot of the beloved series.