Michael Mann to direct HBO’s Tokyo Vice

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Looks like it's twice the vice for Michael Mann.

The acclaimed director of hits such as HEAT and THE INSIDER will dive into small screen action, as he's locked and loaded for HBO's upcoming crime drama TOKYO VICE. Mann will direct the pilot episode and executive produce the show, which is set to debut on the streaming platform HBO Max. He could also potentially direct future episodes of the program, although nothing is confirmed at this time.

TOKYO VICE is based off the memoirs of Jake Adelstein, a journalist who ensconced himself in the Tokyo Metropolitan Police department in order to investigate corruption. BABY DRIVER star Ansel Elgort will star as Adelstein, while Ken Watanabe (BATMAN BEGINS) will play a Tokyo detective.

This is the kind of fare that seems right up Mann's alley. He's certainly distinguished himself with gritty crime driven thrillers. Mann's also had plenty of experience in this genre, having executive produced multiple episodes of the 1980s classic MIAMI VICE and later directed the film adaptation starring Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell. I can't think of a better director to tackle a story like this.

TOKYO VICE will mark Mann's first directorial gig since 2015's BLACK HAT. His most recent television work was also with HBO, having worked on the short-lived show LUCK.

TOKYO VICE will commence filming in February 2020.