John Leguizamo has confirmed his role in the upcoming film Miami Vice '85, playing the villain Esteban Calderon. Nearly forty years ago, he portrayed Esteban's son, Orlando Calderon, in the original series, now transitioning from "son" to "father."
John Leguizamo revealed that the thick beard he kept for the new film is part of his character's look. He described this role transition, spanning nearly forty years, as a full circle moment. In 1986, he played Orlando in Seasons 2 and 3 of the original Miami Vice series, which was his first paid acting job.
In the original series, Esteban was the head of the Calderon drug cartel and one of the early main antagonists. After Esteban's death, Orlando sought revenge for his father but ultimately met the same fate. This casting choice thus creates a direct legacy with Leguizamo's earlier role.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski, Miami Vice '85 stars Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler as Ricardo Tubbs and Sonny Crockett, respectively. Alden Ehrenreich, Danny Ramirez, and Walton Goggins are also set to appear, with the film scheduled for release on May 19, 2028.