History of Heat 2 in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 24, 2026

Heat 2, a 2022 crime novel by Michael Mann and Meg Gardiner, serves as both a prequel and sequel to Mann's 1995 film Heat. It explores the early careers of detective Vincent Hanna and criminals Neil McCauley and Chris Shiherlis. The novel's narrative spans from immediately after the film's ending to 1988, 1995-96, and 2000. The story unfolds across various locations in North America, South America, and Southeast Asia.

1988: Vincent Hanna pursues Otis Wardell's gang in Chicago

In 1988, Detective Vincent Hanna pursued Otis Wardell's gang of home invaders in Chicago. After an ambush and a raid, Vincent resigned from the Chicago Police Department.

1988: Heat 2 covers the formative years of the characters

In 1988, Heat 2 explores the early experiences of Vincent Hanna, Neil McCauley, and Chris Shiherlis.

1995: Vincent hunts Chris in Los Angeles

In 1995, in Los Angeles, Vincent hunted Chris, the sole survivor of Neil's gang, after a bank robbery. Chris was then moved across the Mexican border to Ciudad del Este.

1995: Release of Heat film

In 1995, the crime film Heat was released which Heat 2 is both a prequel and sequel to.

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1996: Chris foils an attempt to steal the Liu's GPS jammer program

In 1996, Chris foiled an attempt to steal the Liu's GPS jammer program. He then negotiated a truce, and began an illicit romance with Ana.

2000: Heat 2 covers events until 2000

In 2000, Heat 2 progresses through multiple locations in North America, South America, and Southeast Asia.

2000: Vincent investigates a murder in Los Angeles in 2000

In 2000, Vincent investigates the murder of a prostitute in Los Angeles. Ana and Chris arrive in Los Angeles for business but Claudio and Felix cut in.

2001: Mann's last shot-on-film project

In 2001, Ali marked Mann's last shot-on-film project. He was considering shooting Heat 2 on celluloid.

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March 2016: Mann writing a prequel novel to Heat

In March 2016, it was announced that Michael Mann was writing a prequel novel to the film Heat.

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2016: Heat 2 announced as a prequel

In 2016, Heat 2 was announced as a prequel.

December 2019: Mann reveals casting ideas for Heat 2

In a December 2019 interview, Mann revealed he had casting ideas for who would play Neil and Vincent in Heat 2.

2019: Heat 2 clarified as both prequel and sequel

In mid-2019, Mann clarified that Heat 2 would act as both a prequel and a sequel, with the novel expected for release in 2020.

2020: Original release date goal for Heat 2

In 2019, Mann clarified that the novel would act as both a prequel and a sequel, and that he and Coleman were still at work on the novel for a 2020 release.

January 2022: Title, synopsis and release date of Heat 2 revealed

In January 2022, the novel's title, synopsis and release date were revealed with Meg Gardiner now listed as the co-author.

August 2022: Heat 2 released and became a bestseller

In August 2022, Heat 2 was released and became a New York Times bestseller.

2022: Release of Heat 2 novel

In 2022, Michael Mann and Meg Gardiner wrote the American crime novel Heat 2, a prequel and sequel to the 1995 film Heat. The novel covers the years of Vincent Hanna, Neil McCauley, and Chris Shiherlis.

2023: Mann to write and direct Heat 2 adaptation

In spring 2023, it was formally announced that Mann would write and direct an adaptation of Heat 2 for Warner Bros., with Adam Driver in talks to portray the young McCauley.

January 2024: Goal to shoot Heat 2 for a 2025 release

In January 2024, Mann shared his goal of shooting Heat 2 for a 2025 release.

March 2025: Mann submits first screenplay draft

In March 2025, Mann submitted his first screenplay draft to Warner Bros.

August 2025: Warner Bros. exited the Heat 2 project

In August 2025, Warner Bros. exited the Heat 2 project after being unable to settle on a budget.

October 2025: Amazon MGM Studios acquires rights to Heat 2

In October 2025, Amazon MGM Studios' United Artists label acquired the rights to Heat 2, with potential producers and actors attached.

November 2025: Christian Bale reported to be playing a major role in Heat 2

In November 2025, Christian Bale was reported to be playing a major role in Heat 2.

2025: Goal to shoot Heat 2 for a 2025 release

In January 2024, Mann shared his goal of shooting Heat 2 for a 2025 release, which would mark the 30th anniversary of the first film.

2026: Hoping to shoot in 2026

During his masterclass at the Busan International Film Festival in September 2025, Mann stated he was hoping to shoot Heat 2 in 2026 and was working through casting and budgeting.

2026: Mann reaffirms aim to shoot in 2026

While receiving an award at Lumière in 2025, Mann reaffirmed his aim to shoot Heat 2 in 2026, with a 77-day shoot planned in Los Angeles.

2027: Aim for 2027 release date

While receiving an award at Lumière, Mann confirmed that the film had moved to United Artists and reaffirmed his aim to shoot in 2026 for a 2027 release.