Ebon Moss-Bachrach in Final Talks for 'Heat 2' Role

The Bear star is reportedly nearing a deal to play Kelso in Michael Mann's upcoming sequel.

Sep 25, 2026
Industry & Business
Ebon Moss-Bachrach in Final Talks for 'Heat 2' Role

Ebon Moss-Bachrach, known for his role in FX's "The Bear," is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations to join Michael Mann's "Heat 2." Moss-Bachrach is slated to portray Kelso, a character previously played by Tom Noonan in the original 1995 film. Kelso is described as a hacker who provides critical intelligence to Neil McCauley for his heists.

Tom Noonan, who originated the role, passed away in February. Moss-Bachrach would join a notable cast that reportedly includes Leonardo DiCaprio as Chris Shiherlis, Christian Bale as Detective Vincent Hanna, and Stephen Graham as Neil McCauley. Filming for "Heat 2" is expected to commence in November.

The project, based on the novel of the same name co-written by Michael Mann and Meg Gardiner, functions as both a prequel and a sequel to the original "Heat." Mann has long expressed interest in adapting "Heat 2" into a film, identifying it as his next directorial project. While the original "Heat" was a Warner Bros. production, "Heat 2" has secured distribution through Amazon MGM Studios.

Sources