Was “Ferrari” the start of a late-period resurgence for Michael Mann? Fans of the action auteur already knew an adaptation of Mann’s novel “Heat 2” was on the way, but it looks like Mann has another project in mind once he finishes that. Variety reports that Mann plans to make a US adaptation of the South Korean crime comedy “Veteran” after “Heat 2;” a perfect choice for the director, a thriller that pits a headstrong cop against a corporate scion unafraid to use his privilege in all the wrong ways.
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“Veteran” was a huge hit in South Korea upon its release in 2015. After an international premiere at TIFF that year, it was also named Best Film at the Sitges Genre Festival in Spain, going on to earn $85 million at the South Korean box office. As of 2024, “Veteran” ranks #5 on all-time box office ranking for South Korea. Director Ryoo Seung-wan‘s sequel, “I, The Executioner,” had its world premiere at this year’s Cannes Film Festival in the Midnight Screenings section, to much acclaim.
But if Mann remakes “Veteran” for American audiences, he’ll steer the story to be set in US city instead of South Korea. Too bad, as Mann has a knack for shooting South Asian landscapes impeccably well (see “Blackhat” for reference). Mann isn’t afraid to work with Asian actors either: Gong Li stars as Colin Farrell‘s love interest in 2006’s “Miami Vice,” while Tang Wei stars opposite Chris Hemsworth in “Blackhat.”
Bear in mind that Mann’s “Veteran” remake is only developmental stages right now, too. “We are developing a script with Michael Mann, but his role and our schedule are not fixed yet,” said a source close to CJ ENM, Korea’s top Film/TV conglomerate. It makes sense since “Heat 2” is a passion project for the ages for Mann, and one that needs his undivided attention. A recent LA Times profile stated that Mann wants to start shooting the sequel later this year or in early 2025, but a lot needs to happen first, mainly casting. Are Austin Butler and Adam Driver really being eyed to star? Said the director, “I can’t talk about that.” Terse as ever, Mr. Mann; we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Still, Mann having another project in the works after “Heat 2” is great news for the director’s fans. “Veteran” would be Mann’s first remake, although “Manhunter,” “The Last Of The Mohicans,” and “The Insider” technically count as adaptations. As does “Heat 2,” which, one imagines, will serve as Mann’s career magnum opus. That also means Mann will take his time making it the way he wants, so don’t expect his take on “Veteran” to move forward until 2026 at the earliest.