Heat 2

Heat 2, a 2022 crime novel co-written by Michael Mann and Meg Gardiner, expands the world of Mann's 1995 film Heat. The book serves as both a prequel and a sequel, opening with a prologue set immediately after the movie's climactic shootout at Los Angeles International Airport. From there, it jumps back to 1988 to explore the formative years of detective Vincent Hanna and criminals Neil McCauley and Chris Shiherlis, then moves forward to 1995–96 and finally to 2000. The story unfolds across North America, South America, and Southeast Asia, weaving a complex narrative of obsession, loyalty, and survival.

Announced in 2016 as a prequel, Heat 2 was released on August 9, 2022, by William Morrow in the US and HarperCollins in the UK. The novel quickly landed on the New York Times bestseller list, debuting at #3. Mann provided the story and characters, while Gardiner translated his vision into prose, with Mann reviewing drafts to ensure fidelity to the film's tone. The audiobook, narrated by Peter Giles, runs 15 hours and 50 minutes. A feature film adaptation is in development, with Mann set to direct and Adam Driver cast as a younger Vincent Hanna.[edit]