The glow of neon and the roar of speedboats are set to return as a new Miami Vice film moves ahead at Universal Pictures. Austin Butler and Michael B. Jordan are in talks to play undercover detectives Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs in Joseph Kosinski’s reboot, scheduled to begin filming in June 2026 for an August 6, 2027 theatrical release.

But for powerboat racing enthusiasts, one question looms larger than casting choices: which boats will feature in the film?

Production Timeline and Period Setting

Director Joseph Kosinski confirmed the film is set specifically in 1985, describing the period aesthetic as “full on.” The production will be shot for IMAX cameras, aiming to capture the vibrant, stylised look that made the original NBC series a cultural phenomenon from 1984 to 1989.

Filming begins in June 2026, giving the production team just five months to finalise vehicle choices—including the marine craft that became as iconic as the pastel suits and Ferrari Testarossa.

Dan Gilroy wrote the latest script draft, working from Eric Warren Singer’s earlier version. Dylan Clark and Kosinski serve as producers. The film explores “the glamour and corruption of mid-1980s Miami,” drawing inspiration from the pilot episode and first season of the landmark television series.

Casting Status

While fan excitement is high for the potential pairing of Austin Butler and Michael B. Jordan, their involvement is not yet officially confirmed. Both actors are in early talks and deals have not been finalised.

Michael B. Jordan is in discussions to play Ricardo Tubbs, originally portrayed by Philip Michael Thomas. Austin Butler is being considered for James “Sonny” Crockett, the role that made Don Johnson a star.

Kosinski expressed enthusiasm for the prospective casting, stating:

Michael is someone I’ve admired for a long time, always wanted to work with him. Austin, I think, is proving himself as someone to watch. If it ends up being those two, I’d be very lucky.

The Boat Question

The original Miami Vice television series featured an impressive array of high-performance powerboats that became central to the show’s aesthetic. From Wellcraft Scarabs to offshore racing machines, these vessels weren’t mere props—they represented the era’s obsession with speed, style, and Miami’s unique marine culture.

The 2006 film adaptation, directed by series creator Michael Mann, featured modern boats that served the story but lacked the period authenticity of the original series. With Kosinski’s reboot explicitly set in 1985, the marine hardware choices become critical to achieving the “full on” period look he’s promised.

The Wellcraft Challenge

Wellcraft Scarabs defined the Miami Vice look. The original series featured multiple Scarab models, with the iconic white and turquoise 38-footer becoming synonymous with Crockett and Tubbs’ undercover operations.

However, sourcing authentic 1980s Wellcraft Scarabs in filmable condition presents substantial challenges. These vessels are now 40 years old. Many have been modified, damaged, or destroyed over four decades of use. Finding examples in original condition, or condition close enough to pass as period-correct on IMAX cameras requires significant effort.

Offshore Racing Hardware

Beyond the Scarabs, the original series featured genuine offshore racing boats from the mid-1980s racing scene. Miami was the epicentre of offshore powerboat racing during this period, and the show incorporated authentic racing hardware from manufacturers like Cigarette, Formula, and others.

These vessels carried significant horsepower—often twin or triple outboards producing combined outputs exceeding 1,000 horsepower—and represented the cutting edge of marine performance technology in 1985.

Recreating this authentically requires either locating surviving examples or understanding the period’s technical specifications well enough to build convincing replicas. The difference between authentic 1980s offshore hardware and modern boats will be immediately apparent to knowledgeable viewers, particularly when projected on IMAX screens.

Why This Matters

The marine hardware isn’t background scenery. Miami Vice was as much about boats as it was about suits and cars. The original series elevated powerboats to cultural icons, influencing boat design, offshore racing aesthetics, and public perception of high-performance marine craft throughout the late 1980s.

A 1985-set reboot that substitutes modern boats—no matter how well styled—risks missing what made the original series resonate with powerboat enthusiasts. The 1980s represented a specific moment in offshore powerboat development, with design language, engine technology, and performance characteristics distinct from today’s craft.

Kosinski’s track record suggests he understands the importance of authentic hardware. Top Gun: Maverick succeeded partly because it featured real F/A-18 Super Hornets, not CGI approximations. His F1 film reportedly went to significant lengths to capture authentic Formula 1 racing.

The question is whether the same commitment to authenticity extends to the marine sequences.

The Five-Month Window

With filming beginning in June 2026, decisions on which vessels to feature need to be finalised imminently. Sourcing, restoring, or building period-correct boats requires substantial lead time. Transportation, crew training, maritime permits, and insurance all need to be arranged before cameras roll.

If the production opts for authentic 1980s hardware, the window for locating and preparing these vessels is closing rapidly. If they choose modern substitutes, marine craft selection is likely already underway.

What the Industry Knows

Production details about marine craft selection remain tightly guarded. Neither Universal Pictures nor Kosinski’s production team have publicly confirmed which boats will appear in the film or whether the production has acquired any specific vessels.

Industry sources suggest the production is aware of the boat question’s significance, but specific acquisition or construction plans have not been disclosed.

Looking Ahead

The marine hardware choices will significantly impact how powerboat enthusiasts receive the film. Get it right—authentic Wellcraft Scarabs, period-correct offshore racing boats, proper technical details—and the reboot gains credibility with viewers who understand this world. Get it wrong, and the film risks looking like every other generic action movie with boats in the background.

Kosinski’s “full on” commitment to the 1985 aesthetic suggests he recognises the importance of period accuracy. Whether that extends to the marine craft remains to be seen.

The August 6, 2027 release date is 18 months away. The answer to which boats will feature in Miami Vice is coming soon—potentially as soon as this summer when filming begins in Miami.