Adam Driver Reveals Villain Role in ‘Heat 2,’ Updates on Mann
WHO:
The Hollywood Reporter - Adam Driver confirmed he will play Otis Wardell, the main antagonist in *Heat 2*.
The Hollywood Reporter - Michael Mann, 83, is directing *Heat 2*. He was nominated for four Academy Awards.
The Hollywood Reporter - The original *Heat* starred Al Pacino, Robert De Niro and Val Kilmer, who has died.
The Hollywood Reporter - Leonardo DiCaprio, Christian Bale and Stephen Graham have reportedly joined the cast. Jerry Bruckheimer and Scott Stuber are producing.
WHAT:
Coming Soon - Adam Driver is preparing to work with director Michael Mann again.
The Hollywood Reporter - Mann accidentally shot himself in the leg at a Los Angeles gun range. His representative said, “a weapon accidentally discharged while holstered resulting in a superficial injury to film director Michael Mann. He was treated and is being released.”
The Hollywood Reporter - Driver said Mann was doing well: “He’s good.” Driver said he texted Mann after hearing about the incident, and Mann responded.
The Hollywood Reporter - Driver said Mann was back at work the day after the incident. Driver added that Mann had performed the same motion “20,000 times” and used to shoot competitively.
The Hollywood Reporter - *Heat 2* is based on Mann’s 2022 novel of the same name and serves as both a prequel and sequel to the 1995 crime thriller *Heat*.
The Hollywood Reporter - Driver praised Mann’s screenplay, saying, “As a script, it’s even more condensed and streamlined [than the novel]. The film is a missile.” He also said, “I love Michael. I loved working with him on Ferrari, but working on this, I’m excited,” and praised the cast.
WHERE:
The Hollywood Reporter - Mann was injured at a gun range in Los Angeles.
WHEN:
The Hollywood Reporter - Driver discussed Mann and *Heat 2* while appearing on *The Rich Eisen Show* on Wednesday.
The Hollywood Reporter - Mann was injured on Saturday and hospitalized on Sunday.
The Hollywood Reporter - Driver said he would join the project “top of December” and filming would start “the top of next year.”
The Hollywood Reporter - The Hollywood Reporter first reported in October 2025 that Driver was being considered for the project.
WHY:
The Hollywood Reporter - Mann’s injury resulted from a weapon accidentally discharging while it was holstered, according to his representative.
HOW:
The Hollywood Reporter - Driver contacted Mann by text after learning of the accident; Mann replied.
(UPDATED November 6, 2026 02:10 UTC)
Adam Driver will star as the antagonist in Michael Mann’s upcoming film, Heat 2. Mann suffered a superficial gun-range injury, but Driver says he’s well and working. The film adapts Mann’s novel, continuing and revisiting the story of the original Heat.