Austin Butler's Upcoming Crime-Thriller Can Be Even Bigger For Him Than Rumored Heat 2 Role

Summary Austin Butler may have a bigger opportunity in the crime thriller "City On Fire" than in the rumored "Heat 2" role.

"City On Fire" could potentially kickstart Austin Butler's first franchise, giving him a lead role in the trilogy.

Playing the lead in "City On Fire" would allow Butler to showcase his full range and potential for leading a successful franchise.

Austin Butler’s upcoming role in a crime thriller could pose a bigger opportunity for him than his rumored role in Heat 2. Having climbed the ranks of Hollywood in recent years, with films such as Dune: Part Two and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Austin Butler’s career has taken off since first appearing as an extra on Disney Channel productions. The American actor has been praised for his dedication to performance, with around 40 nominations in the last 14 years, and Butler has recently won a BAFTA and a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Elvis Presley in the 2022 biopic Elvis.

Michael Mann’s Heat 2 is a much-awaited sequel to the American crime film which debuted Robert De Niro and Al Pacino’s first on-screen appearance together. Currently, there are rumors circulating that Austin Butler received gun training for a role in Heat 2 from Taran Butler, who runs the weapons training facility, Taran Tactical. Austin Butler’s rumored role is Chris Shiherlis, who was originally played by Val Kilmer in 1995, which means he has some pretty big shoes to fill. However, Austin Butler may be presented with an even bigger role with his casting in the upcoming crime thriller City On Fire.

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City On Fire Can Be The Start Of Austin Butler's First Franchise

The Upcoming Crime Thriller May Be A Big Hit

Austin Butler’s City On Fire will be a movie adaption of the 2022 novel by Don Winslow and is in the early stages of development. There is currently no full cast list announced, however, Butler is set to play the role of Danny Ryan, a street soldier turned leader following the struggle between two criminal empires. The movie adaption will be headed by Justin Kuritzkes, who wrote the script for the viral Challengers movie which was released in early 2024. With two big names onboard, and possibly more to come, City On Fire may be quite a big release.

The movie adaption will be headed by Justin Kuritzkes, who wrote the script for the viral Challengers movie which was released earlier this year.

If the mob/mafia genre film does become a hit, there is a chance for Sony Pictures 3000 (who will produce the film) to create a possible franchise, as City On Fire is actually the first book of a trilogy. Although Austin Butler appeared in Dune: Part Two, he was not in the first Dune film, and so he has yet to be featured consecutively in any franchise. Therefore, a City On Fire franchise would mean Austin Butler could feature in his first franchise from the beginning, as the lead role, joining well-known Hollywood actors, and increasing his popularity.

A City On Fire Trilogy Gives Austin Butler A Bigger Role Than Heat 2 Can Offer

Austin Butler Has The Potential To Lead A Franchise

Austin Butler’s rumored involvement in the highly anticipated Heat 2 allows him to play an iconic role that would undoubtedly boost his popularity. However, despite walking in the shoes of the greats, Butler would only be a supporting lead in Heat 2, assuming Chris Shiherlis continues his trajectory from the first movie, whilst Don Winslow’s City On Fire offers him the bigger role as solo lead. The crime-thriller would give Austin Butler the perfect chance to show off his full range, center stage. Given his recent performances, he definitely has the potential to pull off a franchise – an opportunity that City On Fire provides.