# The ‘Heat’ Is On! Michael Mann & New Regency Clash In Ownership Battle Over Al Pacino & Robert De Niro 1995 Crime Classic

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-heat-is-on-michael-mann-new-regency-clash-in-ownership-battle-over-al-pacino-robert-de-niro-1995-crime-classic/
- Published: 2026-11-14T05:56:57+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-14T09:22:34+00:00
- Original publisher: Deadline
- Original article: https://deadline.com/2026/11/michael-mann-lawsuit-heat-rights-1237223655/
- Topics: Business, Companies, Entertainment, Film

## Key points

- New Regency is challenging Michael Mann’s attempt to reclaim *Heat* screenplay rights.
- Mann says his original writing and a 1988 agreement support his claim.
- The rights dispute may affect future works and agreements linked to *Heat 2*.

## Summary

New Regency has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to have three notices from Michael Mann to reclaim rights to the original *Heat* screenplay declared invalid. The dispute matters because ownership could affect who controls future film, television and other works based on the 1995 crime film.

New Regency argues Mann wrote the screenplay as work for hire and says it retains the rights. Mann says his original writing and a 1988 agreement support his claim as an independent author, and plans to defend his statutory rights. The company says the notices could affect its rights from 2028 and may have implications for agreements concerning *Heat 2*, which is due to begin filming on 19 January.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.