Having confirmed late in the previous year that he was on the brink of concluding his screenplay for the sequel, Heat 2, Michael Mann revealed that he had officially submitted a draft to Warner Bros. In an engaging Q&A session with Vulture, the iconic director, whose masterpiece featured a dynamic duo of Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, shared, "I've just wrapped up the screenplay and presented the initial draft." Understandably, the highly anticipated continuation of the 1995 crime thriller's narrative will remain shrouded in mystery for some time. When asked about the recipients of his script, Mann added, "In this particular instance, it was Warner Brothers. Beyond that, I'm constrained from divulging further details. However, it's an exhilarating project."
Arguably Mann's most celebrated and admired film amidst a portfolio that has garnered cult-like following, Heat depicts a fascinating adversarial dynamic between a criminal genius (De Niro) plotting his final heist and a relentless lieutenant (Pacino) grappling with personal struggles while remaining steadfast in his duties. Their respect for each other, despite occupying opposite ends of the legal spectrum, is palpable. The star-studded cast also includes Val Kilmer, Diane Venora, Amy Brenneman, Ashley Judd, Natalie Portman, and Jon Voight.
Last December, Mann also hinted at his desire to bring his previously mooted film about the 1968 Battle of Hué to life. This grizzly chapter of the Vietnam War saw South Vietnamese and U.S. troops reclaim the city of Hué through a month of gruesome urban warfare.
Elsewhere during the interview, Mann addressed the resurgence of his films since their release, stating, "I'm not fond of speculation. I believe it might be tied to the essence of the work itself. I'm not a director who churns out films; I wish I were, for I adore the process of filmmaking. However, I pour my heart and soul into each project, and as a result, they often possess multiple layers of connection. They're not straightforward. While they may be readily accessible — not all, but some of my films can captivate you for two hours, or in the case of Heat and Insider, two hours and 45 minutes — there's also a wealth of depth beneath the surface. To be honest, I probably shouldn't even be answering this question."
