‘Heat 2’: Michael Mann Says Casting Is Still Not Decided & He’s Not Interested In Expanded It Into A Series

After years of rumblings, it appears “Heat 2” is actually happening. And if you’ve read the novel by co-authored by filmmaker Michael Mann and Meg Gardiner, then you’re probably aware of the plot of the upcoming film. That said, there are still quite a few questions, particularly when it comes to the casting. Basically, the actors who come in and play the roles inhabited by folks such as Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Val Kilmer are going to have big shoes to fill. Sadly, when Michael Mann recently discussed the sequel on an upcoming episode of The Playlist’s The Discourse podcast, he wasn’t ready to spill the beans on who is starring just yet.

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As mentioned, “Heat 2” is based on a story that Mann and Gardiner wrote in the best-selling novel of the same name. If you know anything about that story, you know “Heat 2” follows the same sort of idea of “The Godfather: Part 2,” which serves as both prequel and sequel. And considering the dual timelines, that makes casting a bit trickier. 

“It’s going to be a combination [of CG and makeup]. And so, it won’t be [Robert De Niro] and Al [Pacino] playing McCauley and Hanna,” explained Mann. “And it actually starts eight years earlier than the movie. It starts in 1988, and then it’s gonna jump to 2000. But I don’t really know who to cast until I’ve actually written the screenplay, but I’m in the middle of writing the screenplay right now. And Warner Bros. have been very patient.”

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Of course, just because Mann says he hasn’t actually thought of casting since the script isn’t finished doesn’t mean there haven’t been reports of early favorites. Particularly, Adam Driver’s name has come up quite a bit for a lead role in the film, especially since he recently starred in Mann’s newest film, “Ferrari.” So, it seems, at least if you believe the reports, Mann is leaning towards Driver for one of the roles. 

When asked if there was ever an idea to make “Heat 2” into a TV series, as we have seen the idea of prestige limited series pick up quite a bit of steam over the past several years, Mann admitted the temptation was there. However, he’s just not interested in telling this story in any other way than a feature film.

“Sure, but I’m not interested in doing it as a long form,” said the filmmaker. “I’m only interested in doing it as a movie, same scale as the 1995 film.”

To say “Heat” is an iconic film is an understatement. The original 1995 crime thriller is often regarded as one of the best of the genre. Not only that, it has gone on to inspire countless other filmmakers. Obviously, there are going to be a lot of eyes on “Heat 2,” with many hoping it can come close to replicating the magic of the original.

We still don’t know when we might see the film. If you believe Mann, you have to assume it’s still pretty early on in development, so it’s not like this will be going in front of cameras next month. So, we’ll just have to hope it all comes together soon and then we can see “Heat 2” for ourselves. 

Additional reporting by Mike DeAngelo.