Philip Gardiner

Philip Gardiner co-authored the 2022 crime novel Heat 2 with director Michael Mann. This novel serves as both a prequel and a sequel to Mann's 1995 film of the same name, delving into the early lives and subsequent events involving characters like detective Vincent Hanna and criminals Neil McCauley and Chris Shiherlis. The narrative spans multiple decades and locations across North America, South America, and Southeast Asia, detailing intricate criminal enterprises, personal tragedies, and relentless pursuits.

Heat 2 was a commercial success, reaching the New York Times bestseller list. The novel's development involved extensive backstory creation by Mann, drawing from his personal experiences and research for other projects. Gardiner, known for her own crime novels, collaborated with Mann to bring these layered narratives to life. The book's success has led to plans for a feature film adaptation, with Mann intending to direct.

The novel Heat 2 expands upon the universe established by Michael Mann's 1995 film, offering a dual narrative that explores events preceding and following the original story. Set against backdrops ranging from 1988 Chicago to the early 2000s in Los Angeles, Mexicali, and Ciudad del Este, the plot follows the intertwined fates of law enforcement and criminal elements. Key themes include the cyclical nature of crime, the pursuit of elusive justice, the consequences of violence, and the deep-seated personal motivations that drive individuals. The narrative intricately weaves together the formative years of characters like Vincent Hanna, Neil McCauley, and Chris Shiherlis, illustrating their paths towards the conflicts depicted in the film.

The genesis of Heat 2 began with Michael Mann's intention to write a prequel, a project that evolved over several years. Initially announced in 2016, the novel's scope expanded to include sequel elements, necessitating a collaborator. After an initial partnership with Reed Farrel Coleman, Meg Gardiner joined as co-author in 2022, having been introduced by Mann's literary agent. Gardiner's prior work, particularly her novel UNSUB, impressed Mann. The writing process involved leveraging Mann's extensive character backstories and his meticulous research, aiming for a high degree of authenticity, a trait Gardiner noted in Mann's approach. Mann also incorporated elements from his unmade film projects and real-life events into the novel's fabric.

Following the novel's release and success, Michael Mann has actively pursued a feature film adaptation of Heat 2. He has discussed his vision for the screenplay, aiming to condense the novel's complex, multi-timeline narrative into a single cinematic experience. Mann has expressed interest in shooting the film on celluloid and potentially on location in places like Ciudad del Este, drawing parallels to his previous work. Casting discussions and rumors have involved prominent actors, with Mann confirming his intention for the film to be his next project. The adaptation is envisioned as a large-scale theatrical release, with Mann aiming for a 2025 release date to coincide with the original film's 30th anniversary.