Michael B. Jordan is giving Thomas Crown a motive — he says nobody wants to watch a billionaire stealing art for fun
Michael B. Jordan’s take on The Thomas Crown Affair will break from the original in a key way — and he’s not doing it on a whim.
Here we go again – Michael B. Jordan is taking another classic and giving it a modern rethink, this time with The Thomas Crown Affair. And no, it won’t just be a shot-for-shot remake with updated phones and shinier cars. Jordan’s not interested in playing another filthy-rich bloke who nicks priceless art just to kill time between polo matches. He’s got a bit more on his mind than that.
Speaking to Vogue about why he’s ditching the 'rich man bored with life' angle, Michael B. Jordan said: "I don’t think a billionaire, or a millionaire, just doing shit for fun, right now, is something that people want to see."
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So, he’s tweaking the whole premise. Instead of Thomas Crown as your stereotypical wealthy thrill-seeker pinching Picassos for kicks, Jordan wants the character to actually have some substance – a motive, a personal cause, a reason why he’s getting his hands dirty. Presumably, it means less champagne and croquet, and more actual stakes. The core of the story – a suave criminal operating outside the law – isn’t going anywhere. What’s changing is the ‘why’.
Behind (and In) Front Of The Camera
This isn’t just Jordan hijacking the lead role and calling it a day. He’s starring, directing, and producing through his Outlier Society banner. This is the follow-up to his big swing with Creed III, which made a tidy sum at the box office and proved he’s not just doing vanity projects. The script comes from Drew Pearce and Jason Hall, so expect some sharp dialogue on top.
The remake officially lands in cinemas and IMAX on 5 March 2027.
Adria Arjona is joining as the co-lead, and the rest of the supporting cast isn’t shabby either — there’s legendary stage-and-screen man Kenneth Branagh, Oscar nominee Lily Gladstone, Danai Gurira (yes, from Black Panther and The Walking Dead), and Pilou Asbæk (who always manages to look a bit dangerous regardless of costume). Behind the scenes, they’ve roped in Oscar-winning musician Jon Batiste to handle the score, with Bradford Young (who shot Arrival and Solo) on cinematography.
One thing to note: this is the third time The Thomas Crown Affair has made its way to the big screen. The original came out in 1968 with Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway, all low-key sexual tension and sixties glamour. Then John McTiernan remade it in 1999 with Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo — more glitz, more sunglasses, still just a rich man looking for a bit of excitement.
Also, if you’re a Michael B. Jordan completist, you might want to savour this one — he’s said he’ll be stepping away from the business for the better part of 2027 after he wraps the promo circuit for this film. No word on what will drag him back, but don’t expect a quick follow-up.