Last July, Michael Mann revealed to Empire that the Heat sequel — published in novel form the following August – was always intended to be a movie. Now, according to Deadline, Mann is making moves to have that happen, with Warner Bros. looking to back the film as it did the original and Adam Driver as Mann's chosen actor for one of the prime lead roles.
The 1995 original movie, a powerhouse of heist action, cat-and-mouse cops 'n' robbers confrontations and some of the best working actors (including Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Val Kilmer) still stands as one of the director's best. So naturally, a follow-up comes with all the anticipation and plenty of pressure.
Heat 2 the novel (which Mann co-wrote with Meg Gardiner) takes place both after and before the film in a Godfather Part II sequel-prequel structure, largely focusing on Detective Vincent Hanna (Pacino) and heist crew survivor Chris Shiherlis (Kilmer). But there is also a strand about the younger days of thief Neal McCauley, as played by Robert De Niro, and his team. It's the McCauley role that Driver would take.
Driver has already been busy working with Mann on Ferrari, which chronicles the life of the titular Italian sports car entrepreneur. Clearly they've forged a good working relationship, but it remains to be seen if Driver makes a deal and the movie becomes a reality.