Al Pacino Knows Exactly Who Should Replace Him In Heat 2

Michael Mann's iconic 1995 crime movie "Heat" is a Certified Fresh classic piece of cinema that Rolling Stone ranked as one of the greatest movies of the '90s. While it does alter certain details, "Heat" is based on a true story that includes memorable scenes like the infamous shootout during the bank robbery escape. Now, over two decades later, "Heat" is getting the sequel treatment in book form, with a movie adaptation on the way. 

The novel has been in development since 2016 (via Deadline), and it covers the early years of Detective Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino), Adam McCauley (Robert De Niro), Chris Shiherlis (Val Kilmer), and other characters from the original flick. Mann confirmed on WTF Podcast with Marc Maron that "Heat 2" the movie is officially in the works. When talking to Empire, he said, "It's totally planned to be a movie. Is it a modest movie? No. Is it a very expensive series? No. It's going to be one large movie."

When asked if the director was planning on using the film's original leading duo, Mann responded, "I love those guys, but they'd have to be six years younger than they were in 'Heat.'" It sounds like Mann is looking to cast younger versions of Vincent Hanna and Neil McCauley instead of de-aging the original players like in "The Irishman." Luckily, Pacino has weighed in on who he believes is a perfect choice to play his iconic role.

Before a screening of "Heat," Al Pacino was asked who he would cast as Detective Vincent Hanna if the film were made today, and he responded: "Timothée Chalamet. Great actor, good looks" (via Liz Arcury on Twitter). Academy Award winner Pacino believes Academy Award nominee Chalamet is the number one contender to portray the character Pacino made famous, and he may be onto something. 

Chalamet isn't against doing sequels, as he expressed interest in the past regarding a follow-up to "Call Me By Your Name" (via Time) and has already signed on for "Dune: Part 2." The actor also isn't opposed to playing younger versions of well-established characters, having received praise for his performance in the trailer for the "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" prequel "Wonka." But can he play one of Pacino's most iconic roles?

The origin story of a character like Detective Hanna would require a top-notch effort from someone that can get viewers to empathize with such a gritty person's struggle to establish himself in the morally ambiguous realm of Robbery Homicide. David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter talked about Chalamet's performance in "Dune," recognizing his "magnetic pensiveness [that] gives the coming-of-age element some heart." Telling the story of a flawed up-and-comer entering a world filled with uncertainty, treachery, and danger has been an arena where Chalamet has proven his excellence. If Michael Mann can get "Heat 2" made, he doesn't have to look far for a strong candidate to play a compelling and convincing young Vincent.