Heat 2: Ashley Judd's successor apparently found

Casting Update for "Heat 2": It appears Michael Mann has found a successor for Ashley Judd. The director would like to cast Odessa Young in the role of Charlene Shiherlis, which Judd played in the original 1995 film, according to Deadline. The website claims to have learned from unnamed sources that the current status of negotiations is unclear – but Young is said to be the top choice for the part.

Michael Mann's first "Heat" film essentially revolved around the duel between police officer Vincent Hanna, played by Al Pacino, and gangster Neil McCauley, portrayed by Robert De Niro. Charlene Shiherlis was the wife of gangster Chris Shiherlis, who was played by Val Kilmer at the time.

Odessa Young would follow in the footsteps of "Double Jeopardy" star Ashley Judd – though she may be a relative unknown to many, despite having appeared in numerous films and TV series. Among other roles, she was a protagonist in the comedy-thriller hybrid "Assassination Nation," which was directed and written by "Euphoria" showrunner Sam Levinson. Most recently, she appeared on screen alongside "The Bear" star Jeremy Allen White in the biopic "Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere."

Speculation about Inde Navarrette

There had previously been speculation that Inde Navarrette was being considered for the role of Charlene Shiherlis. However, a new report dismisses the whole thing as an unfounded rumor. It was previously reported that she had allegedly turned down a role in "Heat 2" to star in the new "X-Men" movie instead. However, as TheWrap now reports, she was never offered the role in Michael Mann's thriller. The website quotes Shane Salerno, executive producer of "Heat 2," as saying, "It's simply untrue." She met with the director only once, but nothing came of it.

As for the "X-Men" movie, however, Navarrette will indeed be on board. She will play Rogue in the highly anticipated Marvel blockbuster about the eponymous superhero team, as was recently announced officially. Navarrette has been in high demand since she caused a sensation in the horror hit "Obsession." The role of the popular mutant Rogue, who can absorb the energy of others through touch, is likely to be another milestone in the actress's career.

Heat 2: A mix of prequel and sequel

"Heat 2" is likely to feature an impressive ensemble cast. As previously reported, Leonardo DiCaprio and Christian Bale, among others, are said to be cast in the film. Bale is set to follow in Al Pacino's footsteps as Vincent Hanna. DiCaprio is set to play Chris Shiherlis, the role once portrayed by Val Kilmer. In addition, Adam Driver, Stephen Graham, Jason Clarke, and María Cid are also in talks.

As with the first film, Michael Mann will once again direct and write the screenplay. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Michael Mann and Meg Gardiner, published in 2022. "Heat 2" is set to be a mix of prequel and sequel. In other words: The events will take place partly before and partly after those of the first film. With the 1995 original, Michael Mann created a cinematic classic that grossed $187 million at the global box office and is still frenetically celebrated by fans and critics alike today.