Michael Mann’s Heat 2 moves forward with filming slated for Summer 2026

Movieweb reports that Michael Mann’s Heat 2 is officially moving forward after years in limbo, now set up at Amazon MGM Studios’ United Artists with principal photography slated for Summer 2026 and a 2027 release being eyed. The project moved off Warner Bros after delays tied to the pandemic and the writers’ strike and prior reports that Warner Bros regarded Mann as asking for "too much money." According to the AV Club, Mann, speaking at a panel, said the movie will have a theatrical window of at least 45 days in 4,000 cinemas.

The Heat 2 novel, co-written by Mann and Meg Gardiner, functions as both a prequel and a sequel to the 1995 film and is described as the groundwork for the movie. The book is said to pick up immediately after the original, following Chris Shiherlis attempting to disappear while LAPD lieutenant Vincent Hanna works to dismantle what remains of Neil McCauley’s crew, and it also explores McCauley’s and Hanna’s parallel ascents across multiple decades.

Mann told Empire in 2022, "It’s totally planned to be a movie," adding, "Is it a modest movie? No. Is it a very expensive series? No. It’s going to be one large movie." Mann is attached to direct, adapt the screenplay from his novel, and produce alongside Jerry Bruckheimer. Cast details remain sparse: Leonardo DiCaprio is reported as confirmed for the role of Chris Shiherlis in his first collaboration with Mann, while other names have been rumoured.

Key Topics

Culture, Michael Mann, Amazon Mgm Studios, United Artists, Leonardo Dicaprio, Jerry Bruckheimer