Austin Butler, who recently had everyone in awe of his performance in the eagerly awaited Dune sequel, has now been causing waves with his gun training clip. Indeed, when a video of the Dune 2 star receiving rigorous gun training popped up online, the world erupted in excitement. There have been rumors for quite some time now that the California-born actor, 32, was secretly hired to play Val Kilmer’s role in Michael Mann’s upcoming sequel to Heat (1995).
As rumors about his role in the upcoming film Heat 2 spread, fans speculated on what this could mean for his character and the overall plot of the highly anticipated sequel. Although the reason behind Butler’s training is still a mystery, fans are thrilled about the idea of seeing the actor in an action film, regardless of whether it is for Heat 2.
Heat 2 Speculations: A Video of Austin Butler Training with a Gun Goes Viral
A new video featuring Austin Butler honing his gun skills has fans believing the actor is getting ready for his much-discussed role in Heat 2. After his Elvis success, the Life Unexpected actor has quickly risen to the top of the entertainment industry and is currently starring in Dune: Part Two. Rumor has it that Butler was surreptitiously cast in Michael Mann’s next film, Heat 2, filling in for Val Kilmer’s role from the first movie (per CBR).
Although this has not been confirmed, social media users are speculating about Butler participating in gun training as a result of the circulating footage.
Austin Butler doing gun training with Taran Tactical.
The actor is rumored to play Val Kilmer’s character in ‘HEAT 2’ from Michael Mann. pic.twitter.com/8J9itiQs80
— Cinema Solace (@SolaceCinema) March 3, 2024
Mann has long been hinting at the Heat sequel. Heat 2, a book co-written by him and Meg Gardiner that serves as a prequel and a sequel, was published in 2022. Prior to the publication of the book, the director had hinted at his intention to film a live-action version of the book that would also function as a sequel to the first Heat film. Production on the Heat 2 film was reported to be underway in 2023 (via Variety).
Moreover, Mann confirmed the same to Deadline:
“Meg Gardiner and myself wrote the novel Heat 2, which came out right when we were shooting Ferrari. It did very well. I plan to shoot that next. Perhaps [it will star Ferrari’s Adam Driver].”
The release date of Heat 2 or other necessary details are still unknown.
Heat, which Michael Mann wrote and directed, was released in theaters in 1995. Counted among the greatest action movies of its time, if not all time, the $187.4 million film was a huge hit at the box office.
Fans Eager To See Austin Butler In Action After His Intense Gun Training Clip Went Viral
Austin Butler’s training video has undoubtedly set the internet on fire, with fans trying to figure out what it means for the Dune 2 star’s upcoming role. Will the actor’s character be involved in intense battle sequences? Will he play a larger role than previously anticipated? The possibilities are almost limitless, and fans are looking forward to seeing what surprises the actor has in store.
Of course, the internet wasted no time in turning the clip into a viral sensation. While some praised Butler for being “perfect for the role”, others gave him incredible applause and said he is “dominating Hollywood right now”. Fans appear to be quite impressed and thrilled, if one may argue.
Let us hear a handful of fan tweets:
Bros gonna be a trained assassin by the end of it 😭
— Relay (@RelayTS) March 3, 2024
He’s perfect for the role. He’s just beautiful. 😍
Who’s playing Pacino and Dinero though? pic.twitter.com/IWSlj5GJzp
— MissPeeps 🥰 (@mizzpeeps1) March 3, 2024
This man is dominating Hollywood right now 😅👏 one huge film straight after the next
— Tristan (@TristanJE) March 3, 2024
I can feel the Heat already
— Big Mike (@MicAnaneRoll) March 3, 2024
What's the new Heat going to be about? The first one was excellent. Is it going to be a pre-Heat version?
— Paal Junes (@panchoteejay) March 3, 2024
He's pretty good on this, I will keep fingers crossed for Him to play in 'Heat 2'
— Lukkrecia (@Lukkreciax) March 3, 2024
Although there has been no official confirmation regarding his involvement in Heat 2, his fans are excitedly anticipating any updates regarding his next film appearance. With the success of the first 1995 film by Michael Mann and the impressive cast attached, it’s safe to say that expectations are high. And who knows, maybe Butler’s gun training video will turn out to be a good luck charm for him and the Heat sequel.
Anyway, Dune: Part Two is currently showing in theaters, so waste no time watching it. Also, Heat is streaming on Hulu.
