Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed a target filming window for Heat 2, the follow-up to Michael Mann’s 1995 Los Angeles crime drama. The film is based on Mann’s 2022 novel, which serves as both a prequel and a sequel to the original story of detective Vincent Hanna and bank robbers Neil McCauley and Chris Shiherlis, as their lives intersect across multiple cities.
In an interview with HeyUGuys, Bruckheimer said production on Heat 2 will “hopefully start in August.” When asked about Leonardo DiCaprio’s rumored involvement, he responded, “Yeah, Leonardo. That’s a rumor. That’s the key element there. One of the key elements. Michael Mann’s the other one.”
Jerry Bruckheimer reveals all about his career, behind the scenes of F1 Movie, Heat 2 & what's next
A 2027 release date appears likely, according to both Bruckheimer and Mann, who have each expressed that timeline as the goal. The movie was first announced in 2023 but has been delayed several times. It changed studios in late 2025, moving from Warner Bros. to United Artists under Amazon MGM Studios after budget disagreements. The new studio reportedly approved a $150 million production budget.
DiCaprio has remained linked to the project for more than a year, and during an interview with Deadline, he appeared to all but confirm his casting. Christian Bale is also expected to play a leading role. Other names in circulation include Adam Driver as a younger version of McCauley, a role originally played by Robert De Niro, Austin Butler as Shiherlis, and Bradley Cooper in an undisclosed part.
Reports have also suggested that Al Pacino could return as Vincent Hanna and that Ana de Armas may join the cast as Elisa, the girlfriend of a young McCauley. Jeremy Allen White and Channing Tatum are among others rumored to be in negotiations for supporting roles.
Mann’s 2022 novel explores two separate timelines spanning from the aftermath of the heist in the first film to a wave of international crimes years later. DiCaprio suggested the new movie would stand on its own, saying, “We can’t duplicate what Heat was… It’s paying homage, but giving it its own unique entity.”
While Christian Bale’s specific role remains unconfirmed, the prospect of seeing DiCaprio and Bale share the screen under Mann’s direction has generated strong interest in the production. With casting updates expected soon, Heat 2 is set to begin shooting in August 2026.
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