Stephen Graham, star of the Netflix series 'Adolescence', is set to play the role originated by Robert De Niro in Michael Mann's upcoming sequel to the 1995 crime classic 'Heat'. He will be joined by Hollywood heavyweights Christian Bale and Leonardo DiCaprio in the film, which Amazon MGM Studios will begin shooting in November.
Cast Details and Roles
Graham, a BAFTA-winning actor from Liverpool, will portray master thief Neil McCauley, the character made famous by De Niro. Bale will take on the role of LAPD detective Vincent Hanna, originally played by Al Pacino. DiCaprio is cast as Chris Shiherlis, the part played by the late Val Kilmer in the original film. Additionally, 'Star Wars' actor Adam Driver is in talks to play the lead villain, Wardell. Several unnamed A-list actresses are competing for the role of Sharlene, originally portrayed by Ashley Judd.
Plot and Production
Michael Mann, who also directed 'Miami Vice', will write and direct the project. 'Heat 2' is described as both a prequel and a sequel, with events taking place before and after the 1995 film. Mann previously mentioned the possibility of using AI to de-age De Niro and Pacino for the sequel, but the decision to cast new actors was ultimately made. He stated: "The story will pick up one day after the movie ends, only Val Kilmer's [Chris Shiherlis] alive, and he has to flee the United States." Mann added: "It was an automatic 'it's a fantastic idea'. I mean, the two greatest actors of their generation! The intensity, the internal power that De Niro has and the exuberance, the ability for performance with which Al could imbue a character."
Legacy of the Original
The original 'Heat' was a critical and commercial success, grossing $187.4 million worldwide. It is widely regarded as a highly influential modern classic. Mann reflected on the characters: "The characters of 'Heat' are so alive to me. An idea occurred to me, based on the rapport between two lethal adversaries, Pacino's Hanna and De Niro's McCauley, about how to do both before the events of 'Heat' and after."
