By 
A new behind-the-scenes account of the upcoming sequel to Michael Mann’s 1995 crime drama “Heat” has been posted at The Wrap and goes into how the film found its current home at Amazon MGM Studios after some developmental struggles.
What’s really interesting is that those involved are very bullish on the sequel’s economic prospects. Amazon/MGM reportedly believe the film could gross $500 million worldwide and are so confident that their sources are saying a third “Heat” is currently being plotted to ‘extend the world’ of “Heat” further.
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer adds that he believes “Heat 2” could be as successful as the “F1” film he produced. It kind of has to do well, as the movie boasts a sizeable $165 million budget but did land a $40 million rebate from the California Film Commission to help it along.
The report confirms Mann delivered a draft of the “=”Heat 2″ screenplay in March 2025, but Warners, coming off high-profile failures like “Joker: Folie a Deux” and “Mickey 17” at the time, was spooked and would only make the film for $125 million. Mann said he needed $220 million.
Paramount and Sony Pictures then were set to jointly produce the film for $160 million with both contributing $80 million each. Then, in September, Paramount abruptly pulled out of the deal, and Sony wasn’t willing to commit to the full budget, so it bowed out too.
Then Amazon came along and, following Mann making some trims to his once-190-page screenplay and the rebate going through, the film got on track with shooting to kick off in November and span Los Angeles, Chicago, Paraguay, and Singapore.
The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Chris Shiherlis, Christian Bale as Vincent Hanna, and Stephen Graham as Neil McCauley – the Kilmer, Pacino and De Niro roles in the original. Adam Driver is in negotiations to portray Otis Wardell, one of the novel’s new central antagonists.
“Heat 2” hasn’t set a release date, but 2028 seems likely.
The post “Heat 3” Already Being Considered? appeared first on Dark Horizons.
