It’s been two years since the release of the Heat 2 novel, Michael Mann and Meg Gardiner’s prequel/sequel to the former’s classic crime film. Ever since that point, the concept of a cinematic follow-up to the 1995 movie Heat has become less a fantasy for fans and more a reality. Now, while speaking with World of Reel after a screening of his Miami Vice movie, Mann himself gave an encouraging update both on the film adaptation’s progress and, most crucially, its epic scope.
“I’m working on the screenplay seven days a week, and it’s large or at least as large as the original, which was 2 hours 50 minutes…we’ll shoot it in Paraguary, and also in Mexicali, in Chicago and in L.A., and then in Southeast Asia, probably Bhutan.”
Those are some pretty specific details about the highly anticipated crime thriller, and should be more than enough to inspire hope that the film will not only go before cameras before the close of 2025, but might even live up to the original’s legacy. In fact, Mann hopes the movie will land on the big screen in 2025 to commemorate the first film’s 30-year anniversary. Will it be as rock-solid, action-packed, and moving as the original? That’s a mighty high bar to meet, but everything’s lining up for it to at least have a fighting chance.
What Do We Know About Heat 2?
Released back in August 2022 to critical acclaim before landing on the New York Times bestseller list, the Heat 2 novel follows the early days of Vincent Hanna (played in the original film by Al Pacino), Chris Shiherlis (Val Kilmer), and Neil MacCauley (Robert De Niro). The film will follow suit, just as it will also follow suit in covering Shiherlis’ escape and MacCauley’s pursuit after the events of the ’95 epic. Judging by the novel, Heat 2 is really Shiherlis’ story more than anyone else’s, which begs the question of who will play him now that Kilmer cannot do so.
At present, the best guess is Austin Butler. His star is quickly skyrocketing into the Hollywood stratosphere, and he has the look, as well as being able to play cold-yet-passionate characters (as seen in The Bikeriders).
Another major rumor surrounding the crime thriller follow-up is that Adam Driver will inhabit the role of young MacCauley, taking over from De Niro. The Star Wars and Megalopolis star is likely attached to the project at this point, given that he has entered talks and has a rapport with Mann via their mixed bag of a collaboration, Ferrari. Further rumors have claimed that the character Elisa, who plays an integral part in MacCauley’s section of the story, will be played by Blonde and John Wick Presents: Ballerina star Ana de Armas. And her casting would be a perfect one.
Heat 2
does not yet have a release date.