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Michael Mann has a whole week. In addition to starting production of his iconic Ferrari this week in Italy, the director’s debut novel, Heat 2, a sequel to his 1995 crime epic, topped bestseller lists.
Written alongside veteran thriller writer Meg Gardiner, the book re-enacts the complex characters featured in the original film, professional thief Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) and LAPD detective Vincent Hannah (Al Pacino). Although the film ends with Hannah killing McCauley at the end of his years-long investigation, the pair create an inexplicable bond through the hunting and killing dynamics that are further explored in the prequel book’s scenes. One of the most suggestive plot points is the revelation that Hanna and McCauley unknowingly crossed paths in a previous major robbery before they met each other.
The 466-page volume, which serves as a sequel and precursor, delves into other crime stories that focus on formerly marginal characters such as Chris Sherless, played by Val Kilmer in the film. The action oscillates between 1988, when McCauley was still alive, to the events that occurred in the film’s aftermath.
Mann’s search for Heat began as early as the 1970’s when he heard about the real-life relationship between Chicago detective Chuck Adamson and the original McCauley, upon which the film’s character is based. He first used the premise of his 1989 TV movie “LA Takedown” before releasing the three-hour movie “Heat” six years later.
“Heat 2” is the first book in a multi-million dollar book deal between Mann and HarperCollins. Although there is no official green light, Mann is rumored to be planning to adapt the new book into a sequel. In the meantime, you can stream the original movie on Hulu and purchase “Heat 2” below. Check out more books being adapted into TV shows and movies here.
“Heat 2” by Michael Mann (32% off)
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