‘Heat 2’: Christian Bale Circling Role in Michael Mann’s Long-Awaited Sequel

Christian Bale is being eyed for a role in Michael Mann‘s “Heat 2,” the long-awaited sequel to the filmmaker’s 1995 crime drama starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, according to a source with knowledge of the production.

Bale previously starred in Mann’s “Public Enemies,” and, if deals close, the reunion could see the Oscar winner starring alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, who has also been eyed for a leading role.

Amazon MGM Studios and United Artists are expected to start production on the film in 2026. (The project received a sizable $37.2 million in tax credits from the California Film Commission to shoot in the state.) Plot details for “Heat 2” haven’t been revealed, though Mann adapted the screenplay from the 2022 New York Times-bestselling novel that he co-wrote with Meg Gardiner. Producers will include Mann, Jerry Bruckheimer, and UA’s Scott Stuber and Nick Nesbitt. Eric Roth and Shane Salerno will serve as executive producers.

“Heat,” which celebrates its 30th anniversary in December, follows an explosive face-off between a Los Angeles Police Department detective (Pacino) and a career thief (De Niro). The film was a box office hit, earning $187 million globally (not adjusted for inflation) against a $60 million budget.

Bale’s chameleon-like filmography spans from his mainstream breakout in “American Psycho” and the dual role of Bruce Wayne and Batman in “The Dark Knight” trilogy to portraying the likes of Vice President Dick Cheney in “Vice” as well as race car driver Ken Miles in “Ford v. Ferrari,” which Mann executive produced. Bale will next be seen as Frankenstein’s monster opposite Jessie Buckley in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s “The Bride!”. He’ll also portray Raiders owner Al Davis in “Madden” from David O. Russell. He is repped by WME.

Deadline first reported news of Bale’s potential involvement. Amazon had no comment.