Michael Mann's HEAT Prequel/Sequel Novel Will Be Released This Summer

Michael Mann is continuing the story of his classic 1995 action heist film, Heat, in the form of a novel. Over the years, Mann has talked about novels for both a prequel and a sequel. Well, both of those concepts will be combined into one book titled Heat 2, and it will be released on August 9th, 2022.

The book was written by Mann and Meg Gardiner. It will tell the story of what led up to the events in the film, which is set in 1989, and what happened after, which is set in 2002. I’m a huge fan of the film that Mann made, and I’m excited that we are actually going to get some more story from it. Sure, it would be cool to get a film or films, but I’ll gladly take the book! But Mann has said that he would like to adapt it into a film. He previously said

It’s a stack about 10 inches high on my desk right now. We’re on it, and I’m putting time into that and a screenplay I can’t tell you about. But I absolutely want to make a movie of the Heat prequel and a sequel.

Whether or not he follows through with a film adaptation is another story. For now, though, we should all take comfort in knowing the long-awaited book is finally on the way. 

Mann describes the novel as "both a prequel and sequel to the renowned, critically acclaimed film of the same name. Heat 2 covers the formative years of homicide detective Vincent Hanna (Oscar winner Al Pacino) and elite criminals Neil McCauley (Oscar winner Robert De Niro), Chris Shiherlis (Val Kilmer), and Nate (Oscar winner Jon Voight), and features the same extraordinary ambition, scope, rich characterizations, and attention to detail as the epic film."

This new story "leads up to the events of the film and then moves beyond it, featuring new characters on both sides of the law, new high-line heists, and breathtakingly cinematic action sequences. Ranging from the streets of L.A. to the inner sancta of rival Taiwanese crime syndicates in Paraguay to a massive drug cartel money-laundering operation just over the border in Mexico, HEAT 2 illuminates the dangerous workings of international crime organizations and the agents who pursue them as it provides a full-blooded portrait of the men and women who inhabit both worlds. Operatic in scope, HEAT 2 is engrossing, moving, and tragic—a masterpiece of crime fiction from one of the most innovative and influential filmmakers in American cinema. "

I’m in, and I can’t wait to read it!