The famed filmmaker directed the first episode of the new HBO Max crime series.
Rogers and star Ken Watanabe tell EW how he helped set the tone for the show.
The title isn’t the only similaritybetweenTokyo ViceandMiami Vice.
Ansel Elgort and Ken Watanabe in ‘Tokyo Vice.'.HBO Max
That makesTokyo Vice’s premiere episode the first Mann-directed project to make it to screens since his 2015 flopBlackhat.
“The show was set up, andDestin Daniel Crettonwas going to direct the pilot.
“He’s wonderful, I’d still love to work with him sometime.
Michael Mann directed the first episode of HBO Max’s new series ‘Tokyo Vice.'.VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images
But then Michael was brought up, and he loved the script and wanted to be involved.
So that was terrific.”
So it was terrific to watch him work that way.
Plus we cast together and you give him a lot of deference because he’s got great experience.”
Tokyo Viceis a multilingual, cross-cultural show.
“This pilot’s success owes a lot to Michael Mann.
He really tried for the realistic feeling,” Watanabe tells EW.
But Michael Mann wanted and needed to shoot in Tokyo.
But Michael wanted to shoot deep down, in the ‘basement’ of Tokyo.
It really gives you that ‘underworld’ feeling."
The first three episodes ofTokyo Viceare streaming now on HBO Max.
