Michael Mann Definitely Wants To Make ‘Heat 2’ But “Won’t Be Incomplete” If It Never Happens

Michael Mann has made a number of iconic films. “Manhunter,” “Thief,” “Ali,” and “The Last of the Mohicans” are just several of the films Mann will always be known for. However, if there was one film that has risen above all else in his filmography, it is most definitely “Heat.” Decades after the 1995 film has been released, the love of that crime epic has only grown. For his part, Mann hasn’t been able to shake it either, as he only recently released a sequel/prequel novel, aptly titled “Heat 2.” And it’s clear Mann would like to revisit the film on the big screen. But make no mistake, it’s not the only thing he’s interested in.

READ MORE: Michael Mann Confirms His ‘Heat’ Sequel Is Already Underway & Will Be A “Very Large Movie”

Speaking in a great profile over at Variety, Michael Mann talked about his interest in finally making a sequel film to “Heat.” As mentioned, the story for a “Heat” sequel is already written, as Mann released the novel, which actually serves as both a prequel and a sequel to the 1995 feature. But really, it’s difficult to know if a studio would actually give him the huge dollar amount necessary to bring that story to life. And while he would love to make the film before he dies, Mann is content with continuing his career without another “Heat.”

“The thing is, I don’t think about mortality. I’m busy. What good would it do me? If I absolutely had to make ‘Heat 2,’ I wouldn’t have got lost in this beautiful story of Ferrari. And I took two years to write a novel,” said Mann. “Fortunately, it became a New York Times No. 1 bestseller. The things I’m into are things that fascinate me and keep me moving forward.”

READ MORE: Michael Mann Wants To Adapt His ‘Heat 2’ Novel Into “One Large Movie” & Would Recast With Younger Actors

He added, “Don’t misunderstand. I want to make it. But if I don’t, I won’t be incomplete.”

As the filmmaker mentioned, his next film is the upcoming drama, “Ferrari.” And though it is an independently financed film, it does carry a fairly hefty budget. So, you wouldn’t be wrong to assume that the prospects of a “Heat” sequel likely fall on the shoulders of the “Ferrari” box office performance. That said, “Ferrari” looks great and seems to be one of the top awards season picks, so if the quality is there, there’s no doubt the film could be a box office success.

All that to say, it’s still very much up in the air whether or not we’re going to see a “Heat 2.” Mann is interested in the idea, but he’s not going to break his back trying to make it happen. And in an era where sequels are still hot ticket items, but box office success isn’t a guarantee, studios are being a little more cautious. 

In the meantime, if you want to help bring “Heat 2” to life and support Mann, then you should probably check out “Ferrari” when it hits theaters in December.