Michael Mann

Source: BIFF

Michael Mann

Michael Mann has revealed that his highly anticipated sequel to Heat may begin filming in 2026.

Speaking at Busan International Film Festival, where the US filmmaker delivered a masterclass on his 1995 crime thriller, Mann said of a sequel: “I look forward to possibly shooting it in 2026.”

“We’re in the middle of doing all the things one does: budgeting, scheduling, casting, all of that. We’re right in the middle of the process.

“But I wanted to come to Korea, so we put everything on hold and came to Korea for five days to see all of you,” he wryly added.

A sequel to Heat, which starred Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, was first announced in April 2023. Casting has yet to be confirmed but Adam Driver was previously in talks to portray a younger version of De Niro’s character.

Mann said that interest in the original film increased dramatically among Netflix subscribers following the sequel’s announcement. “Viewership on Netflix went from 1 million hours to 17 million for the original picture,” he said.

Mann has since directed features including The Insider, Ali, Collateral and Ferrari.

While Heat has reached its 30th anniversary, BIFF is celebrating its 30th edition, which runs September 17-26.