Universal Pictures’ upcoming Miami Vice movie is adding another major name to its cast. Edi Gathegi, who recently played Mr. Terrific in James Gunn’s Superman, has joined Miami Vice ’85 in a key role.
Gathegi joins a star-studded cast led by Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler. Meanwhile, Top Gun: Maverick and F1 filmmaker Joseph Kosinski is directing the project.
Gathegi Plays an Ambitious Criminal
In the movie, Gathegi will reportedly play a small-time criminal with much bigger ambitions. However, his plans soon begin to spiral out of control.
Details about the character remain limited. Still, his role appears closely connected to the film’s central world of crime, corruption and undercover operations.
The casting also marks a major change of pace for Gathegi. After portraying DC superhero Mr. Terrific, the actor is now stepping into the darker world of 1980s Miami.
Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler Lead
Gathegi joins Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler, who are taking on two iconic roles from the original series.
Jordan will portray Ricardo Tubbs, the character originally played by Philip Michael Thomas. Meanwhile, Butler will play Sonny Crockett, originally brought to life by Don Johnson.
The supporting cast is also taking shape. Alden Ehrenreich, Whitney Peak, Camila Morrone, Danny Ramirez, John Leguizamo and Andrew Schulz are among the other stars attached to the project.
Joseph Kosinski Takes the Director’s Chair
Joseph Kosinski is bringing Miami Vice ’85 to the big screen. The filmmaker is known for large-scale productions such as Top Gun: Maverick and F1.
As a result, the new movie is expected to have a strong visual identity. The story will reportedly explore the glamour and corruption of Miami during the mid-1980s.
Moreover, the film will draw inspiration from the original series’ pilot episode. At the same time, it will tell a new feature-length story.
A Fresh Take on the Classic
The original Miami Vice premiered in 1984. The crime drama quickly became known for its stylish visuals, memorable fashion and influential soundtrack.
The series followed undercover detectives Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs. Together, they navigated Miami’s dangerous criminal underworld.
However, this isn’t the first time the property has reached the big screen. Michael Mann previously directed the 2006 Miami Vice movie, starring Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx.
This new version will therefore offer another cinematic interpretation of the iconic franchise.
Edi Gathegi Continues His Rise
Gathegi has built a diverse acting résumé over the years. His credits include X-Men: First Class, The Twilight Saga films and The Harder They Fall.
He has also appeared in Apple TV+’s For AllMankind. More recently, his role as Mr. Terrific in Superman brought him even more attention.
Additionally, Gathegi is expected to reprise Mr. Terrific in the upcoming DC movie Man of Tomorrow. Now, Miami Vice ’85 gives him another major project outside the superhero genre.
From Superhero to Criminal
Gathegi’s new role is a sharp departure from Mr. Terrific.
In Superman, he plays a technologically advanced superhero. In Miami Vice ’85, however, he will portray an ambitious criminal whose plans begin to unravel.
That contrast gives the actor a chance to explore a very different character. It also adds another intriguing layer to the upcoming crime drama.
Production Begins Soon
Production on Miami Vice ’85 is expected to begin in November 2026. Filming will take place in both New York and Miami.
The movie is also being developed for IMAX. Therefore, Kosinski will have the opportunity to bring the film’s action and Miami setting to the big screen on a larger scale.
Universal Pictures has scheduled Miami Vice ’85 for theatrical release on May 19, 2028.
What’s Next for Miami Vice ’85?
The full storyline remains under wraps. Nevertheless, the project is quickly coming together.
With Jordan and Butler leading the cast, Gathegi joining in a key role and Kosinski directing, the movie has assembled a notable creative team.
As production gets closer, more details could emerge. Fans can expect additional casting updates, behind-the-scenes news and eventually the first promotional footage.
For now, Gathegi’s casting adds another intriguing piece to this new chapter of the Miami Vice story.
About the author
Neha Nikharge is Assistant Editor at Awesome TV and a writer for AWSM Times. Neha covers Bollywood, OTT releases, celebrity interviews and pop culture for South Asian audiences in the US and around the world, and has written more than 4,500 stories for Awesome TV. Story tips and corrections: hello@awesometv.com.
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