Leonardo DiCaprio and Christian Bale are reported to have been cast in Heat 2, with filming planned to start in November 2026, according to TheWrap. TheWrap said that the actors finalized agreements after a year of negotiations, though a representative for Amazon MGM told the site that deals have not been finalized. The original 1995 Heat featured Al Pacino as Vincent Hanna and Val Kilmer as Chris Shiherlis; DiCaprio and Bale would replace those roles. The film is intended as a prequel‑sequel that will explore events before and after the 1995 story, a concept Mann outlined in 2016 and expanded in a novel released in 2022. Director Michael Mann said in 2023 that the project is his next film after shooting Ferrari, which he described as having done well. Adam Driver is reported to be in negotiations to portray villain Otis Wardell, and Stephen Graham is said to be discussing the role of Neil McCauley previously played by Robert De Niro. Various actresses are reportedly being considered for the role of Charlene Shiherlis, and Deadline indicated in May that Jason Clarke may be cast in an unspecified part. No official release date has been announced, and production timelines remain uncertain. Filming is expected to commence in November, but the project has not set a release date, and further details may emerge as negotiations continue.