Heat 2 Has Taken A Big Step Forward, But I’m Concerned About Leonardo DiCaprio Potentially Starring For A Specific Reason

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Many still consider *Heat* to be one of the greatest films of the 1990s. For over two decades, it existed as a single, complete story. But in 2022, Michael Mann, the film’s director, co-wrote a novel called *Heat 2* with Meg Gardiner, expanding the story as both a prequel and sequel. In spring 2023, Mann announced plans to turn *Heat 2* into a movie, and the project has recently made significant progress. However, I do have one concern: the potential casting of Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role.

Heat 2 Has Shifted Studios

Here’s the latest on *Heat 2*: Amazon MGM Studios’ United Artists division is negotiating to take over the film from Warner Bros. Pictures. This is similar to what happened with the *Highlander* reboot, which Amazon MGM acquired from Lionsgate in May. Reportedly, Warner Bros. and director Michael Mann disagreed on the movie’s budget, so Warner Bros. allowed Mann to seek funding elsewhere.

With the project moving forward, Jerry Bruckheimer, Scott Stuber, and Nick Nesbitt are now producing *Heat 2*. Leonardo DiCaprio is reportedly a strong contender to play Chris Shiherlis – the role Val Kilmer famously portrayed in the original *Heat*. Other actors like Austin Butler, Adam Driver, and Bradley Cooper have also been considered, but DiCaprio appears to be the frontrunner, though no decisions have been finalized.

Leonardo DiCaprio Possibly Taking Over Val Kilmer’s Role Is Unusual

As I previously stated, *Heat 2* tells a story that moves both forward and backward in time. It revisits 1988, showing how Chris Shiherlis, Neil McCauley, and Michael Cerrito pulled off robberies in Chicago, all while Detective Vincent Hanna investigated a different series of crimes. The book also picks up after the events of the original *Heat*, following Shiherlis and Hanna from 1995-1996 and again in the year 2000.

More About Heat 2

Michael Mann recently revealed how his classic TV show, *Starsky & Hutch*, influences the upcoming continuation of his film *Heat*. He discussed the connections as development on *Heat 2* progresses.

So, Michael Mann was talking about *Heat 2*, and it’s fascinating! He explained that one of the things that really pushed him to finally revisit the world of *Heat* after all these years was seeing how obsessed audiences are with interconnected universes – you know, like with all the superhero movies. He felt like the characters in *Heat* – McCauley, Hanna, and the rest – had lives *before* and will have lives *after* the original film, and that’s a story worth telling. It’s cool to see him acknowledging the impact of that whole cinematic trend on his thinking, and honestly, it makes me even more excited for the sequel!

If Leonardo DiCaprio appears in *Heat 2*, I expect he’ll play Chris Shiherlis in the scenes *after* the original *Heat* movie, with a different, younger actor portraying him in the earlier timeline. Honestly, I’m not even thrilled about DiCaprio playing the older Shiherlis, because he’s actually aged out of the part as well.

Val Kilmer was 35 during the filming of *Heat*, so we can estimate his character, Shiherlis, was around that age. This means in *Heat 2*, the oldest we’ll likely see him is about 40. Leonardo DiCaprio is turning 51 soon, and while he looks great, it feels unrealistic for him to play a character who needs to resemble a late ‘90s/early 2000s Kilmer. Actors like Austin Butler or Adam Driver would be more believable in the role, and could even potentially play the character as a younger man in the late ‘80s.

As a huge fan of the original *Heat*, I’m really hoping the move to United Artists will finally get the ball rolling on *Heat 2*. Maybe, just maybe, we’ll hear some official casting announcements before the end of the year – even if it doesn’t involve Leo! In the meantime, if you’re like me and need a *Heat* fix, you can always stream the original on Paramount+.

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2025-10-08 00:52