Leonardo DiCaprio confirms his role in Michael Mann's sequel 'Heat 2'

As 2025 draws to a close, fans are finally receiving significant news about Michael Manns eagerly awaited sequel, Heat 2. In October, it was revealed that Leonardo DiCaprio was in talks to join the project, and now the Oscar-winning actor has officially confirmed his involvement, adding his star power to the long-anticipated follow-up.

In a conversation with Deadline, the 51-year-old actor stated that he will appear in the film, though the specific character he will portray has not yet been finalized. DiCaprio explained, This is very much its own movie. Were still working on it, were a ways away from production. It tips its hat to Heat, but its an homage, and it picks up the story from there.

He further elaborated, The book is already out there, so there are no big secrets that Im divulging. Its set in the future and the past, from that pivotal moment in what I think is the great crime noir film of my lifetime. Its one of those films that just keeps resonating, that we keep talking about, that has been imitated so many times and influenced so many different movies.

When questioned about whether he would play Hanna or Shiherlis, DiCaprio replied, Were discussing it. Were in mid-discussion.

The original Heat, released in 1995, was adapted from Michael Manns book LA Takedown and centered on the intense rivalry between LAPD detective Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino) and career thief Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro). Chris Shiherlis, portrayed by Val Kilmer, also became a standout character in the film.

For years, a sequel seemed unlikely, as Mann was cautious about preserving the legacy of the cult classic. In 2022, however, Mann collaborated with author Meg Gardiner on a crime novel titled Heat 2, which became a New York Times Bestseller, reigniting talks of a second film. Recent rumors have linked other major actors such as Adam Driver, Austin Butler, and Christian Bale to the sequel, but DiCaprio remains the only confirmed cast member at this time.

More casting news is expected in the coming months, though an official release date for Heat 2 has yet to be announced.

Author: Sophia Brooks