Universal Pictures frames this casting as a major boost to the film's credibility, leveraging Gathegi's recent critical acclaim to signal that 'Miami Vice ’85' will blend high-octane action with serious, nuanced character work rather than just nostalgia.
Insiders are buzzing about the 'small-time crook with big-time ambitions' description, speculating that Gathegi’s character could be the catalyst for the downfall of Jordan and Butler’s detectives. Fans are already debating if his 'droll' Mr. Terrific energy will translate to a menacing 1980s Miami gangster.
1. Production is eyeing a November 2026 start with shoots in New York and Miami. 2. The film is scheduled for release on May 19, 2028. 3. Gathegi is reprising Mr. Terrific in 'Man of Tomorrow' while filming this role.
Edi Gathegi is trading in his superhero cape for pastel suits and criminal ambition, proving he’s the next big thing Hollywood can’t ignore.
The casting call sheet for Universal Pictures’ upcoming big-screen adaptation of *Miami Vice ’85* just got a lot more dangerous. Edi Gathegi, the actor who stole the show as the droll and cool-headed Mr. Terrific in James Gunn’s recent *Superman* hit, has officially signed on for a key role in the reboot. This isn’t just a cameo; sources confirm Gathegi will play a "small-time crook with big-time ambitions" who finds himself dangerously in over his head. It’s a sharp pivot from superheroics to the gritty, corrupt underbelly of mid-’80s Miami, signaling that this film intends to blend stylish flair with genuine narrative tension. Gathegi joins an already stacked ensemble that includes Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler, who are stepping into the iconic shoes of Detective James Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs, respectively. The original series, created by Anthony Yerkovich, starred Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas, but this new iteration is clearly aiming for a modern blockbuster appeal. The cast also features Alden Ehrenreich, Whitney Peak, Camila Morrone, Danny Ramirez, John Leguizamo, and Andrew Shulz. With Joseph Kosinski behind the camera—the director known for the propulsive *Top Gun: Maverick* and *F1*—expectations for visual spectacle are through the roof. The project is being filmed for IMAX, ensuring every pastel suit and speedboat chase looks as vivid as possible. The timeline for this glossy crime drama is already locked in. Production is eyeing a start date in November, with principal photography scheduled to take place in both New York and Miami. This dual-location strategy suggests the filmmakers are looking to capture the specific architectural and atmospheric vibes of the era while leveraging New York’s production infrastructure. The film is set to explore the glamour and corruption of the decade, inspired by the pilot episode of the landmark TV series. With a release date set for May 19, 2028, Universal is giving this project ample runway to build hype, positioning it as a major tentpole for the late 2020s slate. For Gathegi, this role marks a significant moment in his career trajectory. Following his breakout performance in *Superman*, he is already set to reprise Mr. Terrific in the sequel, *Man of Tomorrow*, next year. His credits also include *The Harder They Fall*, *X-Men: First Class*, and roles in the *Twilight* saga, plus a series regular spot on Apple TV’s *For All Mankind*. Represented by IAG and Yorn Levine, Gathegi is clearly strategically placing himself in high-profile, franchise-adjacent roles. By joining *Miami Vice ’85*, he’s not just riding a wave; he’s helping to steer it, proving that his ability to play characters who are both charismatic and capable of chaos is exactly what Hollywood is craving right now.
