Production of Michael Mann's Heat 2 Begins November

Production is set to begin in November on "Heat 2," the long-awaited follow-up to director Michael Mann's 1995 crime classic, with the project already generating discussions about a potential third film. The sequel, which will function as both a prequel and sequel to the original, has secured a significant budget and a global filming plan after a lengthy development process involving several major studios.

The film, an adaptation of the 2022 novel Mann co-wrote with Meg Gardiner, will star Leonardo DiCaprio as career criminal Chris Shiherlis and Christian Bale as LAPD Lieutenant Vincent Hanna, roles originated by Val Kilmer and Al Pacino. Stephen Graham is reportedly in talks to portray a younger Neil McCauley, Robert De Niro's character from the first film. Adam Driver is in negotiations to play the new central antagonist, Otis Wardell.

The path to production was complex. Warner Bros., the studio behind the original, initially passed on the project following budget disagreements. A subsequent arrangement with Paramount Pictures and Sony Pictures fell apart when Paramount withdrew and Sony declined to proceed alone. Amazon MGM Studios ultimately acquired the project, with Sony...