Netflix Adapting ‘Heat’ by Mike Lupica Into Feature Film

EXCLUSIVE: Netflix will be soon adding to its sports feature film roster with an adaptation of the novel Heat by Mike Lupica with Gregory Nava tapped to direct.

Heat was first published in 2006. It is the latest book by Mike Lupica, a well-known writer specializing in sports. Lupica is a best-selling author and also works as a columnist for the NY Daily News, MLB.com.

Heat is one of many young adult books that the author has published. He boasts 16 New York Times Bestsellers, with The Extra Yard being the latest young adult book in his collection.

Heat is the story about a boy named Michael Arroyo, who has an amazing throw in baseball but faces many problems at home. He and his brother were both orphaned when he was young. Also baseball features, the story is very much about Michael and Carlos (Michael’s brother) staying under the radar to avoid being found out by social services that could lead to them both being sent into foster care or sent to where they were originally from, Cuba.

Pictured: Gregory Nava (left) and Mark Ciardi (right)

Gregory Nava, a distinguished director is listed as the current candidate to direct. This will be a nice return for him after Bordertown in 2007. He is best known for his 1983 biopic Selena and El Norte. Nava was also a writer on Frida, a cult hit starring Salmahayek and released in 2002.

Mark Ciardi, a veteran producer of sports movies is also attached. The Rookie, Million Dollar Arm and MacFarland, USA have all released under his supervision with the most recent release being Disney+’s Safety.

No word on casting, filming dates or potential release windows at this point but we’ll keep you posted as and when we learn more.