Michael Mann Seeks to Reclaim Rights to Original ‘Heat’ Screenplay

Michael Mann is seeking to reclaim the copyright to his original screenplay for the 1995 film *Heat*, and producer New Regency has sued to block that effort. The dispute centres on whether Mann can use a provision of US copyright law to regain rights after 35 years, or whether the screenplay was created as “work made for hire” and cannot be reclaimed that way.

New Regency says Warner Bros. acquired the screenplay in 1994 under a work-for-hire deal, and argues that Mann’s termination notices are invalid and cloud its ownership. Mann’s representatives say he will fight the case, describing the screenplay as his original work developed over many years. The dispute is not expected to affect *Heat 2*, which is due to begin filming on 19 January after Amazon MGM Studios acquired the project.