The planned sequel to the classic thriller “Heat” (1995) may feature a top-notch cast with Oscar winners Christian Bale (51, “The Fighter”) and Leonardo DiCaprio (51, “The Revenant”). Bale is being discussed for the lead role in “Heat 2”, US industry portals “Variety” and “Deadline.com” report. DiCaprio has long been a candidate. Filming, directed by Michael Mann (82, “Ali”, “Ferrari”), is scheduled to begin in 2026. Together with US writer Meg Gardiner, Mann wrote a novel that was published in 2022 and became a bestseller.
In “Heat” (1995), director Robert De Niro as a gangster and Al Pacino as a cop compete in a game of cat-and-mouse. It was the first Hollywood film to feature two screen stars appearing opposite each other in scenes together. Police officer Vincent Hanna (Pacino) and professional gangster Neil McCauley (De Niro) are bitter rivals in the Los Angeles gang scene. Val Kilmer stars as a thief in the cult classic film.
The novel “Heat 2” takes place in two time periods, partly a prequel to the main character, partly a continuation of the original film. Initially it was not known what characters Bale and DiCaprio would play. Director Mann previously brought Bale in front of the camera for the thriller “Public Enemies” (2009).
