Filmmaker Michael Mann is keeping an open stance on artificial intelligence, suggesting that AI could play a role in his forthcoming Heat 2 — but only when it serves the story. In discussing the project, Mann emphasized that he is agnostic about technology, not chasing the latest tool for its own sake. 'I don't experiment with technology gratuitously,' he explained. 'When I have a dramatic need or aesthetic need for it, I go deep into what I need.' While Hollywood remains divided over AI's impact, Mann's approach centers on purpose-driven innovation. For Heat 2, aging and de-aging techniques are being considered as potential storytelling devices, offering new ways to portray characters across decades and deepen the film's emotional resonance. Mann hints that such effects could be critical to the sequel's design, aligning technology with character development and mood rather than spectacle. Fans and industry watchers will be watching how Mann balances his signature visual style with emerging AI tools. The director's nuanced stance—open to AI but disciplined in its application—reflects a broader trend in modern cinema that seeks to leverage advanced effects without compromising storytelling integrity. Heat 2 promises to be a tech-forward chapter in Mann's catalog, with aging and de-aging as possible pillars of its aesthetic and narrative strategy.