Heat 2: A New Chapter in a Classic
Michael Mann's iconic 1995 crime thriller *Heat
is getting a sequel, and fans are eager to see how the story unfolds. While the original film was a masterpiece, *Heat 2* promises to be an even larger and more complex story, exploring the characters' lives both before and after the events of the original.
Mann has been quietly working on the project for years, and after a successful novelization, he's now "deep" into writing the screenplay. He hopes to begin shooting by the end of 2024 or the beginning of 2025, potentially bringing the film to audiences sometime next year.
*Heat 2
will span two parallel timelines, offering a more comprehensive look at the characters' lives and relationships. The first timeline is set in 1988, showcasing younger versions of the characters played by Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. We'll see Vincent Hanna (Pacino) rising through the ranks of the Chicago PD, while Neil McCauley (De Niro) and his partner, Chris Shiherlis (Val Kilmer), pull off a major heist in the Windy City.
The second timeline picks up a few years after the events of *Heat*. After the confrontation between Hanna and McCauley in Los Angeles, Shiherlis is on the run, and Hanna is still on his trail.
While the original *Heat
felt complete, *Heat 2* aims to expand upon its story and explore the characters' lives in greater depth. However, one question remains: who will play the iconic roles? Mann has confirmed that neither De Niro nor Pacino will reprise their roles. Instead, he's exploring the possibility of using a combination of CGI and makeup to recreate their likenesses, but he's not yet ready to reveal the actors who will be filling those roles.
Speculation is rife, with rumors circulating about Timothée Chalamet potentially taking on the role of Hanna and Adam Driver being a contender for McCauley. However, Mann remains tight-lipped about the casting, stating that he needs to finish the screenplay before making any decisions.
With the screenplay nearing completion, fans are eagerly awaiting news on the casting and production of *Heat 2*. The sequel promises to be a thrilling and expansive addition to the *Heat
legacy, and the anticipation is building as we get closer to seeing this new chapter unfold.
