Al Pacino rare franchise role in Ocean’s Thirteen drew attention in 2007, as the acclaimed actor joined the star-heavy cast while Julia Roberts and Catherine Zeta-Jones chose not to return. The film’s unexpected casting decisions highlight the shifting priorities of its major stars and bring new context to one of the franchise’s most notable entries.
Pacino Breaks Tradition With Ocean’s Thirteen Appearance
Known for a career defined by iconic performances in films like “The Godfather” and “Scarface,” Al Pacino established himself as a leading force in Hollywood since the 1970s. With eight Academy Award nominations to his name, Pacino often avoided franchise pictures, making his appearance in 2007’s “Ocean’s Thirteen” something of an industry surprise.
Unlike his usual roles, Pacino stepped into the part of Willy Bank, a cunning casino mogul who serves as the primary antagonist for George Clooney’s Danny Ocean and his team. The movie, helmed by Steven Soderbergh, also featured Matt Damon and Brad Pitt, amplifying its already impressive ensemble.
During production, much of the filming took place in Los Angeles. This provided Pacino with a particular draw beyond the movie itself—proximity to his children. It marked a shift in his approach to selecting roles, putting personal life ahead of career moves. In an interview, Pacino shared his enjoyment in collaborating with the cast and Soderbergh:
“All the boys and the director, Steven Soderbergh, just got into it and had fun with it. That was contagious”
-Al Pacino, Actor
Pacino stated this in his conversation with FilmFreak, emphasizing the appealing environment on set and how much he valued that experience. Alongside wanting to work with Soderbergh, being able to stay close to his family factored heavily into his decision to take on this rare franchise role.
Script Limitations Kept Roberts and Zeta-Jones From Returning
While Pacino’s addition injected new energy into “Ocean’s Thirteen,” the movie saw the noticeable absence of Julia Roberts and Catherine Zeta-Jones, both major figures from earlier entries in the Ocean’s franchise. Roberts, who portrayed Tess Ocean (Danny Ocean’s wife), and Zeta-Jones, known for her role as Europol agent Isabel Lahiri, did not reprise their parts for this third film.
The reason, confirmed by George Clooney in an interview with CBS News, centered on the script. The creative team struggled to provide meaningful roles that matched the stature of both actresses. Clooney explained:
“It was a script issue. We didn’t have a place to really use talent like theirs, two big stars like that.”
-George Clooney, Actor
Without substantial arcs available for their characters, both stars stepped away from the project. Despite the presence of other high-caliber ensemble members, “Ocean’s Thirteen” faced its own challenges, ultimately becoming the lowest-grossing film of Clooney’s trilogy, although it still amassed $311 million globally.
Subsequent to their nonappearance, neither Roberts nor Zeta-Jones returned to the primary franchise, even as the Ocean’s universe expanded with an all-female spin-off in 2018. For some, this move preserved their legacy with the series, given the mixed reviews that later installments received.
The Film’s Enduring Impact on the Ocean’s Franchise
Al Pacino’s role as Willy Bank stands out as a striking departure from his usual independent filmography, marking one of the few times he dove into a major franchise outside “The Godfather” trilogy. His decision, motivated by both the creative environment and a desire to stay close to his family in Los Angeles, gave the film an added layer of star power for its release.
The absence of Julia Roberts and Catherine Zeta-Jones introduced a noticeable difference to the on-screen dynamic, yet also underlined how narrative direction can shift the makeup of an ensemble. George Clooney, Matt Damon, and Brad Pitt continued to anchor the cast, with director Steven Soderbergh pushing the series’ stylish tone.
Today, “Ocean’s Thirteen” can be streamed on Netflix in the United States, continuing to attract viewers and showcasing the ways casting, script, and personal motivations converge in blockbuster filmmaking. As Pacino’s rare franchise role in Ocean’s Thirteen demonstrates, even established legends can find new directions when the circumstances align both personally and professionally.
