The Untold Similarities Between Miami Vice Movie and Narcos Will Leave You Astonished

Summary

Director Antoine Fuqua had a different vision for a Miami Vice adaptation, wanting to incorporate Pablo Escobar's story, similar to Netflix's Narcos.

This vision would have been significantly altered in Michael Mann's movie adaptation, set in the present and featuring actors Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx. Fuqua's approach to Miami Vice could have attracted more viewers due to Escobar's notorious reputation, but it is doubtful that this adaptation will ever come to fruition.

Director Antoine Fuqua once pitched a story idea for the Miami Vice movie that bore striking similarities to the popular Netflix series Narcos. Although Michael Mann eventually directed the 2006 film adaptation of the 1980s TV show, it initially received negative reviews yet has gained some reevaluation in recent years. Starring Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx as detectives Crockett and Tubbs, the movie explores a case involving drug lords and murder that becomes personal and perilous. However, in a recent interview with TheWrap, Fuqua disclosed that he had a distinct vision for Miami Vice, incorporating elements that would eventually become central to Narcos. Read Fuqua's full statement below.

"I expressed my interest in 'Miami Vice' and had a conversation with Michael Mann about it prior to his involvement. During our discussion, he even suggested that I should direct it. However, I felt that it was his project and I encouraged him to take ownership of it.

During that period, my focus was on developing the Pablo Escobar story. I intended to incorporate various elements from the '80s and '90s into 'Miami Vice' but with a more authentic and realistic approach. Although Michael is a phenomenal filmmaker whom I deeply admire, I planned to tell the story of Pablo in a distinct manner."

Would Antoine Fuqua's Miami Vice Have Been Better?

Mann has established himself as one of today's most captivating directors through his impressive films such as Heat, The Last of the Mohicans, and Collateral. However, not all of his works have received universal acclaim. Miami Vice and Blackhat, for instance, have divided audiences. Critics have been critical of Miami Vice, citing its simplistic plot and lack of depth in the lead characters. It currently holds a 47% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and did not perform well at the box office.

Despite the negative reception, Miami Vice has experienced a recent revival, with its unique filming style and bold performances winning over some viewers. However, considering the success of Netflix's Narcos, it is possible that Fuqua's interpretation of Miami Vice could have been a more financially successful venture.

Pablo Escobar, one of history's most infamous drug lords, may have attracted larger audiences to theaters. The success of Fuqua's adaptation, however, would have relied on various factors, such as the casting choices for the characters of Crockett and Tubbs. Nonetheless, the unique subject matter itself could have provided an advantage over the more typical Florida drug lords portrayed in Mann's film. Despite the apparent involvement of Vin Diesel in a new Miami Vice reboot and the existing coverage of Escobar's story in Narcos, it seems highly improbable that Fuqua's version will ever come to fruition.