Coming off back-to-back blockbusters — “Top Gun: Maverick” and “F1: The Movie” — director Joseph Kosinski can likely make just about any movie he wants. Call it carte blanche. In fact, that’s exactly what he’s doing, as he’s set to helm two projects: a “Miami Vice” reboot at Universal Pictures, written by Dan Gilroy, and, more intriguingly, an untitled UFO film centered on government whistleblowers.
Speaking to Deadline’s Pete Hammond, Kosinski discussed his hopes of securing Michael Mann’s involvement in the “Miami Vice” reboot, given that Mann was behind both the original television series and the 2006 feature film starring Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell. He confirms having spoken to Mann two days ago.
As for the UFO project, Kosinski is adamant that it isn’t “science fiction,” but rather “science fact.” When asked whether the still-untitled film falls under the sci-fi genre, Kosinski pushed back on the label, suggesting the story is less about speculative fantasy and more about realities we’re only now beginning to confront.
We’re working with two people who are at the very center of the topic. So, you know, the conversations with them are just fascinating […] It’s a very exciting project, and trying to get that ready as soon as possible.
The project has been described in pitches as a “UFO disclosure-themed take on All the President’s Men,” and follows the true story of two men working in national security who uncover a secret program devoted to recovering and reverse-engineering crashed UAPs.
Kosinski reportedly emphasized “authenticity” in his pitch to studios. Former United States Air Force officer — and UFO whistleblower — David Grusch is serving as a consultant on the film. In 2023, Grusch testified before Congress that the government has been studying alien spacecraft and bodies while actively suppressing that information from the public.
Kosinski is also tentatively attached to return for “Top Gun 3” at Paramount Pictures, though when that film might begin production remains unclear. For now, he is preparing to shoot “Miami Vice” sometime in 2026, with the UFO movie expected to follow shortly thereafter.
Kosinski’s journey is interesting. He started off directing commercials with heavy CGI usage, only to then be tapped by Disney to direct “Tron: Legacy” and “Oblivion” — both of which earned mixed reviews. His subsequent film, “Only the Brave,” a firefighting drama, was well received, but not “Spiderhead,” a clunky sci-fi Netflix original starring Chris Hemsworth. He’s since helmed back-to-back blockbusters, both of which were met with strong reviews, and is now an absolute A-list filmmaker in Hollywood.