"Heat" Director Michael Mann, 83, Shoots Himself in Leg in Shocking Los Angeles Gun Range Accident

A Saturday afternoon at a shooting range ended in hospital for Michael Mann after the acclaimed Heat director accidentally shot himself in the leg.

The 83-year-old filmmaker was injured on October 31 at a West Los Angeles shooting range, prompting a response from police and emergency services. Despite the alarming circumstances, his representative described the wound as superficial and confirmed on Sunday that Mann had been treated and was being released.

According to law enforcement sources cited by ABC News, Mann was holstering a .45-calibre handgun when it accidentally discharged, striking his left thigh. The incident occurred at a members-only indoor range at approximately 4 p.m. local time. Staff provided medical assistance before paramedics transported him to a nearby hospital in stable condition.

Los Angeles police said officers responded to a report of shots fired on Missouri Avenue and determined that the shooting was accidental. Law enforcement sources told ABC News that the injury was not life-threatening.

The account places a filmmaker associated with some of Hollywood's most memorable gun battles at the centre of an unsettling real-life accident. Mann is an experienced target shooter who has practised for decades, according to reports-a detail that makes the unexpected discharge particularly striking.

His career spans far beyond the crime classic most closely associated with his name. Mann's directing credits include Thief, Manhunter, The Last of the Mohicans, The Insider, Ali, Collateral and Public Enemies. He also executive-produced the Miami Vice television series before directing its 2006 film adaptation. His more recent work includes Ferrari, starring Adam Driver.

The accident comes as Mann prepares to return to the world of Heat. His planned follow-up, Heat 2, is expected to begin filming early next year, extending the story associated with his celebrated 1995 crime drama. UPI, citing Deadline, reported that the filmmaker remained scheduled to start shooting in January.

There has been no confirmation that Saturday's target practice was connected to preparations for the new film. The A.V. Club specifically noted that the purpose of the range visit remained unclear.

For now, the clearest update concerns Mann's condition: the shooting was determined to be accidental, the injury was described as minor, and his representative said he was being released following treatment. An alarming hospital visit has therefore been followed by a considerably more reassuring medical update.