There have been plenty of conversations regarding a possible follow-up to Michael Mann’s seminal crime film Heat, and now the film seems to finally be moving forward. However, one key detail has now changed, as the production of Heat 2 has found an entirely new home. The project, which Leonardo DiCaprio looks to lead, is being picked up by a new studio after Warner Bros. had to drop the sequel due to budget issues. Now, a new report has revealed where the film might end up, as well as details about what other production companies were interested in getting Mann’s long-awaited sequel made.
According to an exclusive report from The Hollywood Reporter, United Artists (the Amazon MGM Studios division) is currently in talks to buy the project from Warner Bros. Mann has ambitious ideas for the sequel, and it seems that WB couldn’t agree with the director on a budget to bring it to life. Along with United Artists’ purchase, it’s been confirmed that Jerry Bruckheimer and Scott Stuber have joined Heat 2 as producers. Bruckheimer has a storied history with action thrillers and big blockbusters, most famously producing the Top Gun movies.
Heat 2 has been the subject of plenty of speculation and talk in Hollywood, with various outlets reporting that some impressive talent has circled the project. THR mentions that DiCaprio, Austin Butler, Adam Driver, Bradley Cooper, and others have surfaced in relation to casting for the movie. Still, there is nothing official casting wise, as Heat 2 hasn’t even gone into pre-production. The original Heat movie was released in 1995, leaving a lasting cultural impact in no small part thanks to the lead performances of Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, who each play a Los Angeles cop and career criminal, respectively, in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse.
‘Heat 2’ Is an Ambitious Project To Bring to Life
The sequel to Heat has clearly never left Mann’s mind, as the writer and director ended up releasing a crime novel co-written with Meg Gardiner titled Heat 2. The novel, which the new film is based on, serves as both a prequel and sequel to the original movie, with the story jumping across several timelines. The first narrative is of a younger McCauley (De Niro) in the early days of his criminal career, pulling off dangerous heists. Another story follows Shiherlis (the late Val Kilmer’s character) after the events of the original film as he tries to escape the city.
The Hollywood Reporter’s article interestingly states that Mann’s reputation for blowing past budgets is what led to the issues involving getting the movie off the ground. Overall, Heat 2 seems like an exciting and ambitious sequel, as Mann’s globe-trotting sequel feels akin to something like Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather Part II, due to its different timelines, large cast of characters, and, of course, the prestige talent that are rumored to be a part of the project. Hopefully, United Artist’s acquiring Heat 2 means that Mann can finally bring his vision to life.