Austin Butler has finally addressed the swirling rumors about him potentially stepping into Val Kilmer’s shoes for the much-anticipated sequel, Heat 2. Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner at the premiere of his latest film, The Bikeriders, the 32-year-old actor expressed his enthusiasm for working with Michael Mann, the original director of the 1995 classic.
“I love Michael Mann,” Butler shared, carefully navigating the speculation. “I have a canned answer that I’ve been saying for this, just, yeah I love Michael Mann, I love the first film, I love Val Kilmer. Yeah, it’s — he’s an incredible filmmaker.”
The buzz around Butler’s involvement in Heat 2 began in May, with reports suggesting that the Masters of the Air star might take on the role of Chris Shiherlis, originally portrayed by Kilmer. Adding to the excitement, Adam Driver is also rumored to be part of the project, potentially playing Neil McCauley, a role immortalized by Robert De Niro.
Heat, a film that also featured Al Pacino and Jon Voight, revolves around a group of elite professional thieves who find themselves under intense scrutiny from the Los Angeles Police Department after leaving a crucial verbal clue at their latest heist.
Butler, who earned an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s biopic, has become a favorite among fans and has been fancast in various high-profile projects. From Disney’s live-action Hercules to the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean reboot, his name has been linked to numerous potential roles.
In a recent conversation with ET, Butler addressed the online chatter about his possible involvement in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. “I loved Pirates of the Caribbean,” he said. “In elementary school, we had to make these posters that had your favorite music, your favorite actors. And at that time – I don’t know what grade, it must have been fourth grade, third grade or something – but it was — Pirates of the Caribbean was on there.”
However, Butler admitted that taking on a role in the beloved franchise would be challenging. “It’s a hard one to touch because they did it so well,” he explained. “I loved what Johnny [Depp] did with that.”
For now, Butler is focused on The Bikeriders, a film that also stars Jodie Comer, Tom Hardy, and Mike Faist. During the premiere, Butler was visibly moved when he learned that Hardy had expressed a desire to work with him again. “He said that?” Butler responded, clearly taken aback. “You know, I feel that way about a lot of people. Definitely Tom, Jodie — I mean everybody in this film. I just got to tell Mike Faist what a great job he did in Challengers.”
Reflecting on his career, Butler added, “I mean, I feel like I’ve had a very lucky life where I’ve been able to work with some fantastic people.”
The Bikeriders, directed by Jeff Nichols, follows Comer’s character, Kathy, who falls for Benny (Butler) after a chance encounter at a Midwest bar in the 1960s. Benny’s involvement with a motorcycle club, The Vandals, led by Johnny (Hardy), complicates their relationship. The club evolves from a gathering place for local outsiders into a dangerous underworld, forcing Benny to choose between Kathy and his loyalty to the club.
The film, which also features Nichols’ frequent collaborator Michael Shannon and The Walking Dead’s Norman Reedus, is set to hit theaters nationwide on June 21.
As for Heat 2, fans will have to wait and see if Butler officially joins the cast. His admiration for Michael Mann and the original film is evident, but whether he will step into the role of Chris Shiherlis remains to be seen. For now, Butler’s focus is on his current projects and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
