Amazon MGM to Produce Michael Mann’s ‘Heat 2’ After Warner Bros. Departure

LOS ANGELES, CA — Michael Mann‘s long-awaited sequel to his 1995 crime drama classic, ‘Heat‘, is securing a new home at Amazon‘s MGM Studios division. After Warner Bros. struggled to finalize a budget, they allowed Mann to shop the project around, igniting a competitive bidding war among major studios.

The production is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations with United Artists, the subsidiary of Amazon MGM, to take on ‘Heat 2’. Hollywood heavyweights Jerry Bruckheimer and Scott Stuber have joined the effort as producers, marking a significant step in the film’s development.

As for the cast, A-list actors are expressing interest, with Leonardo DiCaprio reportedly circling the project. Other names mentioned include Austin Butler, Adam Driver, and Bradley Cooper, though no official offers have been made yet.

The original ‘Heat’ featured Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in a tense cat-and-mouse game between a cop and a criminal. It has since gained a cult following and is considered a cinematic classic, praised for its storytelling and character depth.

Mann’s recent crime novel ‘Heat 2,’ co-written with Meg Gardiner, serves as both a prequel and sequel, exploring the lives of old characters like Neil McCauley and introducing new ones. The story covers various timelines and locations, delving into McCauley’s past heists and the aftermath of the first film’s events.

Budget discussions delayed progress on the film, with initial figures topping $230 million. Despite negotiations, Warner Bros. and Mann could not reach a consensus, leading to the project being reoffered to other studios. Amazon MGM’s acquisition positions the sequel for a theatrical release, and production is expected to start soon.

Sources suggest that Eric Roth and Shane Salerno are also onboard as executive producers. Mann has expressed enthusiasm about the sequel and is keen to begin shooting by 2026, citing the complex narratives he hopes to weave.