Heat 2 Gains Traction with United Artists After Warner Bros. Talks Fail

LOS ANGELES, CA – The highly anticipated follow-up to Michael Mann‘s 1995 crime drama classic, Heat, is closer to becoming a reality. Sources confirm that United Artists, a division of Amazon MGM Studios, is in negotiations to acquire the project from Warner Bros. after a budget dispute halted development earlier this year.

United Artists is now positioned to finance and distribute Heat 2, a sequel inspired by the 2022 novel co-written by Mann and author Meg Gardiner. The film targets a release after production, which could begin as early as next year.

Veteran producers Jerry Bruckheimer and Scott Stuber have joined the project, with Mann and Nick Nesbitt also producing. While no cast deals are finalized, reports indicate that Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio is in early talks for a leading role.

The sequel aims to revisit beloved characters like Al Pacino‘s Detective Vincent Hanna and Robert De Niro‘s Neil McCauley, exploring their stories before and after the original film’s events. The narrative encompasses multiple timelines, including McCauley’s criminal escapades and Hanna’s relentless pursuit of him.

Warner Bros. previously had extensive discussions with Mann about the film’s budget, which began at $230 million and was subsequently modified to approximately $170 million. Despite negotiations, the studio expressed concerns over the project’s financial viability and allowed Mann to seek other options.

According to insiders, several major studios, including Amazon’s UA, Paramount, and Sony, vied for the rights to Heat 2, viewing it as a potential new crime classic. The first film was a significant hit, earning over $187 million worldwide against a $60 million budget.

While fans eagerly await more details, including casting confirmations and an official start date, the collaboration between Mann and United Artists could lead to a thrilling cinematic experience that honors the legacy of its predecessor. Famed for its gripping storytelling and complex characters, Heat set the stage for a sequel with high expectations.

Mann has expressed excitement about revisiting this story, hinting at a possible shooting schedule in 2026. As the project progresses, updates on casting and production timelines are anticipated, promising to reignite interest in this iconic franchise.