Christian Bale is circling a key role for Michael Mann's Heat 2, the sequel to his critically acclaimed heist film, released in 1995. The film is also expected to star Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead. United Artists, owned by Amazon MGM Studios is set to start filming next year. If the casting becomes official, the film will reunite the actor and director after 16 years following their 2009 biopic crime drama Public Enemies. The new film will serve as both a prequel and sequel of Heat.
Plot details for the upcoming film are currently unknown, but Mann has adapted it from the eponymous novel, released in 2022 that he co-wrote with Meg Gardiner.
Details of Christian Bale's role remains unclear but with DiCaprio and Bale both having an Oscar to their name, the stakes as well as the expectations are high for the sequel.
Jerry Bruckheimer, known for his acclaimed Top Gun movies and Scott Stuber are backing the film along with their partner Nick Nesbitt. Mann is also producing the film while Eric Roth and Shane Salerno serve as executive producers.
Heat, widely considered one of Mann's most celebrated and influential films, explores the complex relationship between a meticulous criminal mastermind, portrayed by De Niro, planning a final heist, and a dedicated police lieutenant, played by Pacino, grappling with personal challenges. Despite their opposing roles, they develop a mutual respect.
The film also featured performances by Val Kilmer, Diane Venora, Amy Brenneman, Ashley Judd, Natalie Portman, and Jon Voight.