George Clooney definitely shocked fans with the positive news about the upcoming Ocean’s 14 movie, or at least, the existence of a script. There was actually a plan for a follow-up film, but when one member of the ensemble cast passed away, they decided not to proceed anymore.
Today, the reports of a new sequel and a reboot starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling are giving fans hope that the famed heist movie franchise will get a much-needed revival. It has become a cult-classic favorite among film buffs, and a renewal might just gain it more fans.
Ocean’s 14 Idea Was Scrapped After Cast Member Passed Away
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, actor Don Cheadle revealed he and director Steven Soderbergh discussed a sequel to Ocean’s Thirteen, but when co-star Bernie Mac died in 2008, they immediately dismissed the plan.
“We were talking about it, and then Bernie passed, and very quickly we were like, ‘No, we don’t want to do it.’ ”
Another co-star Carl Reiner also passed away in 2020, diminishing the chance of making any more installments. Over the years, they were still pondering the thought of an Ocean’s 14 movie, but they never really had formal conversations about it.
“I just did a movie with Stephen, and he said, ‘I think there may be a way to do it again. I’m thinking about it.’ And it didn’t go much further than that. But I don’t know; I don’t know who all would be in it. I imagine the main group of us would be in. It would be interesting to see.”
It’s obvious that the group still held their hopes up for another Ocean’s film, so when George Clooney announced via Uproxx that there is an existing script for a sequel, fans were ecstatic.
“We have a really good script for another Ocean’s now, so we may end up doing another one. It’s actually a great script. I mean, the idea is kind of like Going In Style.”
He did not explain much further about the contents of the script or the direction of the project, but that was enough to ignite hope of a franchise revival. Besides, Margot Robbie will produce and star in an Ocean’s Eleven prequel set in 1960s Europe, and that’s already gaining massive anticipation from the public.
Steven Soderbergh Will Not Helm Ocean’s 14
With all the news about the upcoming Ocean’s 14 film and an intriguing prequel, fans might be wondering if Steven Soderbergh is still involved, and the short answer is no. He confirmed via Variety:
“After we made the third movie, I felt like the series was very much concluded for me. When the studio approached me to see if I’d be involved in continuing the franchise, I told them no, because it just doesn’t feel like a move forward for me. I’m chasing something else.”
Soderbergh not being involved in the upcoming Ocean’s projects might be a turn-off for some, and Clooney’s portfolio of directorial movies is not really looking quite incredible at the moment, so it might be best if he gives the reins to another filmmaker with more experience in helming heist movies.
