Michael Mann has offered an update on Heat 2, saying he intends to make the prequel-sequel to his classic 1995 crime thriller as his next movie after Ferrari, the director's first film in eight years.
The legendary filmmaker penned the story of Heat 2, his debut crime novel, with Meg Gardiner as a prequel and sequel to the movie, telling stories about its principal characters. The book hit shelves in August 2022, with Mann revealing plans to bring the novel to the big screen. It seems he is now ready to make that happen.
"Meg Gardiner and myself wrote the novel Heat 2, which came out right when we were shooting Ferrari," Mann said during a panel at Deadline's Contenders London event over the weekend. "It did very well. I plan to shoot that next."
The novel illuminates what happened before and after the iconic film, charting the stories of Detective Vincent Hanna (played by Al Pacino in the original movie) as well as Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro), Chris Shiherlis (Val Kilmer), and Nate (Jon Voight), so Mann is likely on the lookout for younger versions of these characters.
Deadline reported earlier this year that Mann's Ferrari lead, Adam Driver, was in discussions to play young Neil McCauley in the Heat 2 film adaptation. The director didn't offer any further update on the potential casting line-up, though it sounds like he would want to work with Driver again after their recent collaboration.
"We don't talk about that yet," Mann laughed. "Let me put it this way: Adam and I got along like a house on fire [on Ferrari]. We have the same work ethic – which is pretty intense. We like each other, and we had a great time working together artistically."
Heat is often celebrated among film fans and is considered one of Mann's best works. The follow-up movie was said to be "underway" in July 2022, though Mann warned that it is "a very large ambitious movie". It sounds like the project has become a top priority for Mann now that Ferrari is edging closer to its December release date.
Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on X @AdeleAnkers.
