Ever since Heat director Michael Mann (in collaboration with Meg Gardiner) released his prequel/sequel novel in 2022, a cinematic adaptation has seemed somewhat inevitable. But there was a problem, and that's the fact that Val Kilmer's Chris Shiherlis is Heat 2's protagonist. Sadly, Kilmer is not in any condition to reprise his role at this point given health complications, so the question was begged whether such a memorable role, and the performance fueling it, could be recast.