We’re getting closer and closer to “Heat 2” actually happening. Just a few years ago, it felt like a longshot, but Warner Bros’ full-fledged support has managed to turn it close to a reality.
Last night, during a screening of “Miami Vice,” Michael Mann gave us the latest update on “Heat 2,” which is rumored to start production later this year, or very early 2025:
“I’m working on the screenplay seven days a week, and it’s large [laughs] or at least as large as the original, which was 2 hours 50 minutes […] we’ll shoot it in Paraguay, and also in Mexicali, in Chicago and in L.A, and then in Southeast Asia, probably Bhutan.”
We already know that Adam Driver will most likely take on the role of Neil MacCauley (originally played by Robert De Niro). Other actors who are rumored to have been cast include Austin Butler and Ana de Armas.
“Heat 2” is an adaptation of Mann’s own published novel, which became a New York Times #1 best-seller in August 2022. The setting takes place both before and after the original, utilizing flashbacks in the same vein as in The Godfather Part II, and largely focusing on Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino) and Chris Shiherlis (Val Kilmer).
This latest “Heat 2” update comes as Mann’s $95 million “Ferrari” struggled at the box-office, only grossing $45 million worldwide, and garnering no awards buzz. If you ask me, a real shame since “Ferrari,” although not his best work, was still a sumptuous and, at times, thrilling arthouse film.
Mann has a few other projects percolating as well, including a remake of the Korean crime-thriller “Veteran,” but that one’s still in the very early stages of development. “Heat 2” is most definitely up next for him.
Still no distributor for "Bucking Fastard," "Alpha Gang," "The Last Photograph," "Closing Night," and "The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd." The issue seems to be quality more than a lack of willingness to buy.