Heat 2 locks in Leonardo DiCaprio and Christian Bale — here's who they're playing

Well, the will-they-won't-they around Heat 2 has finally sorted itself out, at least behind the scenes. After what seemed like endless faffing about, Michael Mann looks to have got Leonardo DiCaprio and Christian Bale firmly on board—and yes, we finally know who's playing who.

Who's Playing Who?

According to The Wrap (and let's be honest, their track record is decent), DiCaprio will be taking on Chris Shiherlis—Val Kilmer's part from the original. Meanwhile, Bale's stepping into Vincent Hanna's shoes, the role Al Pacino made iconic. It’s not officially signed on paper (Amazon MGM is doing its usual 'we don’t comment on speculation' act), but by all accounts this is as close to confirmed as you get before someone starts filming.

If you thought these casting rumours were done and dusted months ago, you’re not wrong—DiCaprio and Bale were always expected to headline. The real tea was just which one would be Shiherlis and who would end up as Hanna. If you know Mann’s Heat 2 novel (co-written with Meg Gardiner), you’ll know both parts are decent, but honestly, Shiherlis is meaty.

What's the Story This Time?

The book stretches across three different time periods. One chunk is actually a prequel set in 1988, looking at how Shiherlis and Neil McCauley (De Niro's character in the first one) got mixed up together. Then you’ve also got events picking up in 1995—right after the original film—where Shiherlis legs it to Indonesia and later returns, looking to settle scores with Hanna and seek payback for McCauley.

On the other side, you’ve got Hanna tracking down a particularly nasty piece of work—a murderer and serial rapist called Wardell, who previously crossed paths with both Shiherlis and McCauley. Probably safe to say, Wardell's not exactly your usual movie villain—he's genuinely disturbed.

Other Casting Rumours (& Speculation)

• Adam Driver and Stephen Graham are both apparently in the mix, potentially playing McCauley. Either could just as easily turn up as Wardell—he’s that sort of heavy.
• Jason Clarke’s name is also floating about, most likely for Wardell.
• There are two choice female roles going: an Asian actress for Ana (Shiherlis’s love interest), and a Latina actress for Elisa (McCauley’s love). There’s also Gabriela, early twenties, who would suit someone like Isabela Merced.

How Did This End Up at Amazon MGM?

Originally, Mann and company were set up at Warner Bros., but apparently even Warners have a limit, and they balked at what this thing was starting to cost. So, in swung Amazon MGM to save the day. Jerry Bruckheimer is producing, even though he had nothing to do with the original Heat. He and Mann have worked together before, though—Bruckheimer produced Thief back in the day.

'No deals are final,' Amazon MGM say, but sources close to the film insist it's essentially locked.

If this all plays out as reported, DiCaprio as Shiherlis and Bale as Hanna is genuinely interesting casting—honestly, hats off to Mann for not just replaying the original lineup. Expect some more announcements (and probably more drama about the cast) before things properly kick off.