Fans react hilariously as Michael Mann confirms he sent in Heat 2 script to Warner Bros

What happens when you put acting legends like Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in the same scene? Well, you get pure cinematic gold that cinephiles never stop talking about. The 1995 crime thriller Heat was one such film, with De Niro as a professional thief and Pacino as the relentless detective pursuing him. Director Michael Mann expanded the much-loved story with his 2022 novel Heat 2, serving as both a prequel and sequel to the iconic film. Now, it looks like the long-awaited adaptation is closer than ever.

Michael Mann has officially completed the screenplay for Heat 2 and recently handed it over to Warner Bros. The film will explore the early years of homicide detective Vincent Hanna and criminals Neil McCauley and Chris Shiherlis. Fans of the original Heat are already buzzing with excitement, eagerly awaiting more details, and even hoping for the return of De Niro and Pacino.

Hilarious Fan Reactions

While fans were thrilled by the news, many also speculated on how Heat 2 would unfold, taking to the internet to share their amusing reactions.

">Sequel How? The only character that isn't dead is the detective, lmao" a fan pointed.

This fan makes a valid point—by the end of Heat, Al Pacino’s Vincent Hanna was the only main character left standing. That means Michael Mann has quite the challenge ahead in making the sequel portion just as compelling.

"Both “prequel and sequel?” Mann would do well if even half as good as Godfather II," wondered another.

Looks like Michael Mann is aiming for his own The Godfather Part II—a film that serves as both a prequel and sequel to his 1995 classic Heat. And as this fan points out, even if it turns out to be half as good as The Godfather Part II, it’ll still be something special.

It's on! (via @TheWorldClassBS / X)

Now that the Heat 2 screenplay is complete and in Warner Bros.’ hands, fans who have already read the book will be eagerly waiting to see their favorite characters come to life on the big screen.

"Nolanesque time-jumping?" a fan asked.

A prequel and a sequel in one film? Are we in for some Christopher Nolan-style time jumps?

"If it doesn’t have that cool blue hue I don’t want it," expressed another.

Many fans are hoping Michael Mann retains the signature blue color palette from Heat in Heat 2, as they found it visually striking. Let’s hope Mann is taking notes!

It’s finally happening! Heat 2’s screenplay is complete and has been handed to Warner Bros., delivering fans a long-awaited sequel more than 30 years after the original. Time to bring in the heat!