Adam Driver confirms Heat 2 villain role, gives update on Michael Mann after shooting

Adam Driver has officially confirmed he's playing the big bad in Michael Mann's upcoming Heat 2. On The Rich Eisen Show, Driver said his character is Otis Wardell, a ruthless gang leader who serves as the main antagonist across the film's dual timelines, per MovieWeb.

Driver also shared an update on director Michael Mann, who was recently injured. Mann was treated and released after a firearm went off unexpectedly while in a holster at a gun range over the weekend, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Driver said he sent Mann a message right after hearing the news and that the director is doing fine and was back on the job a day later.

The actor said he's excited to reunite with Mann after working together on Ferrari and praised the Heat 2 screenplay, calling it a 'missile' that is more streamlined than the novel it's based on. He noted pre-production ramps up for him in December, with shooting starting early next year.

The film, which will release in theaters, reportedly has a budget of $165 million and will film in multiple locations including Chicago, Los Angeles, Paraguay, and Singapore. The cast also includes Leonardo DiCaprio and Christian Bale, The Hollywood Reporter notes.