Heat 2: Ebon Moss-Bachrach considered for a role

Another star for "Heat 2": Ebon Moss-Bachrach is being considered for the role of Kelso. According to TheWrap, Moss-Bachrach is reportedly in final talks. In Michael Mann's original film, the character was played by Tom Noonan, who passed away in February of this year at the age of 74. Guy Pearce was reportedly considered for the role earlier.

Most people are likely to recognize Ebon Moss-Bachrach from "The Bear." As Richard "Richie" Jerimovich, he played a central role for five seasons in the acclaimed series, which centers on gourmet chef Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) , who takes over his brother Mikey's (Jon Bernthal) sandwich shop after Mikey's death. After a total of 47 episodes, the series went into well-deserved retirement this year. Shortly before the final season aired, a special episode titled "Gary" was released, focusing on Richie and Mikey. What makes this special is that Moss-Bachrach isn't just in front of the camera. Together with his co-star Bernthal, he also co-wrote the screenplay for "Gary."

But even outside of "The Bear," Moss-Bachrach's career is flourishing. Among other roles, he also appeared in the highly acclaimed "Star Wars" series "Andor." And he's also been making a name for himself on the big screen in recent years. Among his best-known film roles is that of the Marvel hero Ben Grimm, aka The Thing, whom he portrayed in the blockbuster "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" alongside Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and Joseph Quinn.

Heat 2 continues the modern classic

If he does land the role in "Heat 2," he'll be appearing in yet another prestigious film. The 1995 original is a modern classic of the thriller genre. In addition to its urban atmosphere and superbly staged action scenes, the film captivates audiences with the clash between two screen giants. "Heat" centers on the gripping cat-and-mouse game between the gangster Neil McCauley (played by Robert De Niro) and the police officer Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino).

For "Heat 2," Michael Mann is once again directing and writing the screenplay. The film is based on the 2022 novel of the same name, which Mann co-wrote with Meg Gardiner. "Heat 2" is set to be a mix of prequel and sequel: the events will take place partly before and partly after the events of the first film. Filming is scheduled to begin as early as November.

Star-studded cast

As for the cast of "Heat 2," more and more names have been floating around lately. Among other things, it has been reported that Leonardo DiCaprio and Christian Bale are being considered for the sequel. Bale is set to take over the role of Vincent Hanna from Al Pacino. DiCaprio is set to play Chris Shiherlis, a role once portrayed by Val Kilmer. Adam Driver, Jason Clarke, and María Cid are also in the running. There is speculation that "Star Wars" actor Driver is being considered for the role of the villain.

Furthermore, it was recently reported that Odessa Young is said to be the top choice for the role of Charlene Shiherlis. In the first "Heat" film, Charlene was the wife of gangster Chris Shiherlis and was played by Ashley Judd. Most recently, it was reported that Stephen Graham has been cast in the "Heat" sequel. The role the "Adolescence" star will take on has not yet been announced. However, there is speculation that he could be De Niro's successor.