Derek Hedlund stepped away from his acting career to accomplish what no studio or individual had been able to achieve in decades: reunite the Miami Vice family.

In September 2024, Derek independently produced the largest Miami Vice reunion in history, reuniting the original cast and crew, city officials, and fans around the world from as far away as Australia, gathering in Miami Beach, where it all began. The overwhelming response transformed the 40th anniversary event into Miami Beach’s annual Miami Vice Week, celebrating one of television’s most influential franchises.

Following the conclusion of the 40th Anniversary Reunion, Universal Pictures announced a new Miami Vice film directed by Joseph Kosinski (F1, Top Gun: Maverick) and starring Austin Butler (Elvis) and Michael B. Jordan (Sinners, Creed). The news thrilled fans around the world who had long awaited an official return of the franchise.

The announcement further amplified excitement surrounding Miami Vice Week and helped return the iconic brand to the cultural spotlight. Together, the annual celebration and the highly anticipated film reflect the renewed enthusiasm for Miami Vice and its enduring worldwide appeal.

Derek’s event undoubtedly reignited worldwide interest in Miami Vice and helped create the momentum behind its return. His grassroots effort has evolved into an annual celebration and become part of the franchise’s modern resurgence, praised by the show’s creator, Anthony Yerkovich, and original cast and crew who made it all happen.

Derek showed how one person, without any financial backing or major studio support, set out to preserve a television legend and helped spark its next chapter for future generations, and succeeded.