Christian Bale Casually Confirms He's in "Heat 2"

Christian Bale is taking on one of his most exciting roles yet with his casting in the long-awaited sequel to the 1995 crime drama "Heat 2".

It's been over 30 years since the release of the original movie, and while the sequel may not feature Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in their iconic roles, it is shaping up to be a star-studded affair.

In an interview with Jake Hamilton, Bale revealed that he will be "back in Chicago soon for Heat 2," the sequel to the follow-up film that is also set to star Leonardo DiCaprio in a key role.

It was previously reported that he was in talks for the production, but this is the first time the actor has finally confirmed his involvement.

Based on Mann's 2022 novel, "Heat 2" is set to bounce back and forth between the past and present events of the ending of the original film, telling the story of how the main characters came to be.

Amazon MGM Studios and United Artists will start production on the film in 2026.

The sequel received a sizable $37.2 million in tax credits from the California Film Commission to shoot in the state.

While plot details for “Heat 2” haven’t been revealed, 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.