Universal Pictures is advancing the development of a new cinematic iteration of the iconic 1980s television series that many Gen X airsoft players would surely welcome, “Miami Vice”, with Joseph Kosinski, the acclaimed director behind the box-office success “Top Gun: Maverick”, slated to helm the project.  According to the Hollywoord Reporter, the screenplay is currently being crafted by Dan Gilroy, the writer and director recognized for his work on the critically lauded film “Nightcrawler” and contributions to projects such as “The Bourne Legacy” and the “Star Wars” series “Andor”. Gilroy's involvement follows an initial writing effort by Eric Warren Singer, whose prior commitments, notably on the forthcoming film “Best of Enemies”, necessitated his departure from the screenplay duties.

The “Miami Vice” franchise holds a significant place in popular culture, originating as a groundbreaking television series created by Anthony Yerkovich and executive produced by Michael Mann. Broadcast from 1984 to 1990, the show was celebrated for its distinctive visual style, blending new wave music, vibrant fashion, and a contemporary take on crime drama. The series' enduring appeal led to a 2006 feature film adaptation, directed by Michael Mann and starring Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell, which garnered a worldwide gross of $163.7 million, proving the property's continued recognition among audiences.

Joseph Kosinski's connection to the revitalized “Miami Vice” film dates back to the preceding year, during which he collaborated with the initial screenwriter, Eric Warren Singer, in the foundational stages of the project before presenting their vision to Universal Pictures. Kosinski's recent directorial triumph with “Top Gun: Maverick”, a sequel that achieved both critical acclaim and substantial commercial success, has positioned him as a highly sought-after director within the Hollywood landscape. His filmography also includes the visually striking science fiction films “Oblivion” and “Tron: Legacy”, further underscoring his capacity for large-scale, stylistically driven productions.

While Kosinski's attachment to the “Miami Vice” project signals a significant step forward in its development, it is understood that this film will not be his immediate next directorial endeavor. His current commitments include an untitled UFO thriller in development for Apple, as well as an upcoming racing drama featuring Brad Pitt, showing a busy schedule in the near future. This suggests that production on the “Miami Vice” film is likely to begin following the completion of these prior engagements.

The involvement of Dan Gilroy as the screenwriter brings a distinct creative perspective to the project. Gilroy's reputation for crafting complex and atmospheric narratives, as shown by “Nightcrawler”, suggests a potentially darker and more nuanced exploration of the “Miami Vice” universe compared to earlier iterations. His experience in contributing to established franchises, such as “The Bourne Legacy” and “Andor”, shows his ability to navigate and expand upon existing intellectual property while injecting his own stylistic elements.

Eric Warren Singer, despite his current focus on “Best of Enemies”, played a crucial role in the initial conceptualization of the new “Miami Vice” film. His writing credits include the upcoming “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t”, as well as notable films like “American Hustle” and “Top Gun: Maverick”, proving his versatility across different genres and his ability to contribute to commercially successful and critically recognized projects. His initial work laid the groundwork for Gilroy's continued development of the screenplay.

The production of the new “Miami Vice” film will also benefit from the expertise of Dylan Clark, who is attached as a producer. Clark's extensive producing credits include the critically acclaimed and commercially successful “Planet of the Apes” film franchise, as well as his previous collaboration with Kosinski on “Oblivion”. His track record in managing large-scale productions with intricate visual and narrative elements suggests a strong foundation for bringing the world of “Miami Vice” to a contemporary cinematic audience.

The collective experience and proven track records of Kosinski, Gilroy, and Clark generate considerable anticipation for this new take on the “Miami Vice” narrative. The combination of Kosinski's visual flair, Gilroy's narrative depth, and Clark's production acumen positions this “Miami Vice” project as a noteworthy upcoming release from Universal Pictures.

As the project progresses through the stages of screenplay development and pre-production, further details about casting and a potential release timeline are expected to emerge. The enduring appeal of the “Miami Vice” concept, coupled with the talent currently attached, indicates a significant potential for this new cinematic venture to capture the essence of the iconic series while offering a fresh and compelling perspective for modern audiences.