Stephen Graham confirms his recasted role in "extraordinary" sequel to '90s classic

Stephen Graham has finally confirmed his recasted role in the sequel to '90s classic Heat. Reports that the Adolescence star would take over the role of Robert De Niro's Neil McCauley emerged over the summer.

The actor was then announced for the movie, though at the time his exact role remained under wraps, though he has now shared the news himself that he will indeed succeed De Niro, appearing alongside Christian Bale and Leonardo DiCaprio, who play Al Pacino's Vincent Hanna and Val Kilmer's Chris Shiherlis, respectively.

Speaking on Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden, Graham revealed he flies over to start work this week, teasing of the film: "It’s different now because it’s a sequel and then it flashes back to a prequel.

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"So, in the sequel, if you remember the film, the last one that survived was Val Kilmer. So, Leonardo DiCaprio is playing Val Kilmer."

Confirming he will play McCauley, the actor admitted it was "mental", adding: "I’m really looking forward to it. Fear and excitement live in the same place so there is a little bit of fear which is healthy."

The original Heat follows LAPD detective Hanna as he tries to apprehend career thief McCauley, and went on to become a huge critical smash, considered one of the best crime films ever.

Director Michael Mann is back to direct and write the screenplay for Heat 2, which is based on his own novel penned with Meg Gardiner.

The sequel was previously teased as "extraordinary" by an insider, according to TheWrap, the scale touted as "Spartacus with machine guns" and "John Wick times 1,000".

Alongside Graham, Bale and DiCaprio, the movie is also reportedly set to star Adam Driver, Jason Clarke, and Odessa Young.

Heat 2 is yet to confirm a release date.

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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International.  Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.