Michael Mann made his first-ever trip to South Korea this week for the Busan International Film Festival, where he hosted a masterclass on “Heat” (via Variety).
He briefly tackled “Heat 2,” which Mann confirmed “I look forward to possibly shooting it in 2026. We’re in the middle of budgeting, scheduling, casting.” He only paused work to make the Korea trip.
And the appetite for more is real. Mann revealed that when “Heat 2” was announced last year, Netflix viewership of the original exploded from 1 million hours to 17 million. The movie has stayed in Warner Bros.’ home entertainment top 20 for 25 years.
As I previously reported, Leonardo DiCaprio has committed to this project, and could very well be shooting two films next year back-to-back: Scorsese’s “What Happens at Night” and “Heat 2.” When’s the last time he’s had two shoots in a single year? Can’t remember.
DiCaprio’s attachment and the original’s enduring legacy appear to have been enough for Warner Bros. to move forward with the project. The budget is reportedly in the $150–$170M range, though the studio still plans to bring in a co-financing partner for “Heat 2.” Enter Apple, which is also backing Scorsese’s next film.
Mann, now 82, has spent the last few years carefully laying the groundwork for “Heat 2,” a dual prequel-sequel hybrid based on his 2022 novel co-written with Meg Gardiner. The book charts the early days of Neil McCauley (played by Robert De Niro in the original) and Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino), while also following Hanna’s hunt for a new threat in the aftermath of the original film’s climactic shootout.
I say, much like Paul Thomas Anderson, give Mann whatever budget he needs. Here’s a filmmaker who has delivered great film after great film — “Heat,” “The Insider,” “Manhunter,” “Thief,” “Collateral.” Let him cook.