83-year-old American director, screenwriter, and producer Michael Mann — the mastermind behind iconic crime dramas 'Heat' (1995) and 'Collateral' (2004) — accidentally shot himself in the leg at an indoor shooting club in Los Angeles. The incident was reported by the People portal, citing the director's official representative. The accident occurred during a training session at the popular Te Range shooting complex, where Mann was practicing target shooting.
How the incident happened
According to available reports, the director was firing a .45-caliber pistol. While attempting to holster the weapon, he accidentally pulled the trigger, and the bullet struck his left thigh. The incident took place inside an indoor shooting range adhering to safety standards, which eliminated any threat to others: no one else was injured in the accident.
Medical assistance and the director's condition
Prompt intervention by the shooting club's staff helped prevent severe consequences. Immediately after the shot, range personnel stopped the bleeding and called an ambulance. Arriving medics transported the director to the hospital in stable condition. Michael Mann's official representative confirmed that it was an accident: 'He received all necessary medical care, the injury turned out to be superficial, and he is currently being discharged from the hospital to go home.'
Decades of sport shooting
The Los Angeles Times notes that Mann's realistic depiction of professional gunfights in his films is no coincidence: he has been regularly engaged in sport shooting for decades. According to the publication, this long-term experience explains both his high level of weapon handling and the precision with which he translates the mechanics of firefights onto the screen.
Career and recognition
Michael Mann has made a name for himself as a master of some of the most powerful crime dramas in Hollywood history. His filmography includes such masterpieces as 'Thief' (1981), 'The Last of the Mohicans' (1992), 'Heat' (1995), 'The Insider' (1999), 'Ali' (2001), 'Collateral' (2004), and 'Ferrari' (2023). He is a four-time Academy Award nominee, a two-time Emmy Award winner, and a recipient of the prestigious British BAFTA Award.
Ahead of 'Heat 2'
The incident occurred on the eve of a major project: the 83-year-old director is currently preparing to shoot 'Heat 2', a sequel to the legendary film starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. Leonardo DiCaprio and Christian Bale are expected to join this large-scale project, with filming scheduled to begin in 2027.
