Michael Mann talks about the sequel and its surprising connection to “Starsky & Hutch” (exclusive)

November 29, 2024

For heat Fans, get ready. Hopefully you’ll get your sequel sooner than you think. Michael Mannthe mind behind the legendary 1995 crime thriller, has confirmed that the writing of Heat 2 Not only is it well underway, but the project has officially landed at Warner Bros. It’s happier news for long-time fans of the epic crime novels, as Mann has been teasing story details since his novel’s release in 2022 Heat 2which serves as both a prequel and sequel to the original.

In conversation with Collider’s Steve Weintraub in an interview to mark the 25th anniversary of his acclaimed film The insiderMann provided insight into the creative process and the sleepless nights that brought him closer to completing the script Heat 2and included a story that shows how involved he is in the creative process of creating the world:

“I’m just finishing the script and this morning at 2:30am I was woken up in the middle of the night. So I was in the middle of writing the script and I was driving around LA at 3 a.m., which is awesome, there are no cars, and ended up at Canter’s Delicatessen because that’s the only place open 24 hours.”

It’s a vivid picture that Mann paints that not only shows his commitment to completing the project, but also subtly brings back the mood and atmosphere of Los Angeles itself, with the city playing an important role heat and its sequel. Canter’s Delicatessen, the classic L.A. spot he’s referring to, served as a late-night refuge for countless artists for years, and for Mann, it became a center of inspiration and nostalgia.

“Then I sat in a cubicle and wrote there until about 9:00 this morning, trying to finish the fourth act. It was ironic because it’s the same booth I sat in when I wrote the first few episodes

Starsky & Hutch

Back in the 1970s. Then
The Jericho Mile
and probably some early drafts of
Heat.
I had a favorite waitress named Jeannie who put two sons through medical school there as a waitress and poker player in Gardena. (Laughs) So sometimes you’re driving down the streets of LA at night and a coyote runs across it.”

What is “Heat 2” about?

Fans who have already read the novel know that the story has an arc that takes us into the past and beyond the events heat. It gives audiences an insight into characters like Neil McCauley (originally played by Robert De Niro) and Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino) before the events of heat. It also explores the aftermath and follows Hanna’s journey after the film’s iconic climax.

However, Mann admits that nothing is guaranteed in Hollywood, even when the story is set and he knows what he wants to do, adding:

“It’s definitely not possible, because the sky could fall. But
Heat 2
is at Warner Bros. I’m writing the script for them and hopefully we’ll move on as soon as possible.”

Stay tuned to Collider for more updates on the future of Heat 2 as well as the rest of our conversation with Mann. The original heat can be viewed on Paramount+.