Al Pacino joins Ocean’s Thirteen after rare franchise move, stepping into the cinematic spotlight once more in 2007’s ensemble hit, while longtime franchise stars Julia Roberts and Catherine Zeta-Jones chose not to return. His decision marked a significant chapter in the Ocean’s series, altering the dynamic of the cast and contributing to the film’s $311 million global success.
Pacino’s Surprising Entry into the Ocean’s Franchise
Al Pacino, hailed for his roles in iconic classics like Scarface, Heat, and especially The Godfather trilogy, has rarely been part of ongoing film franchises outside his signature roles. The actor, whose career began its meteoric rise in the 1970s, remained relevant and respected well into the 2000s, making his participation in Ocean’s Thirteen notable for fans and critics alike. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, the 2007 film featured Pacino as Willy Bank, a powerful casino tycoon who becomes the new adversary for George Clooney’s Danny Ocean and his skilled team, including Brad Pitt and Matt Damon.
Discussing his involvement, Pacino shared his personal motivation for joining the film, emphasizing the enjoyable atmosphere on set and his desire to remain close to family during filming in Los Angeles. He stated:
All the boys and the director, Steven Soderbergh, just got into it and had fun with it. That was contagious
—Al Pacino, Academy Award nominee
This rare venture into franchise territory allowed Pacino to maintain his commitment to family while collaborating with revered industry peers, such as the aforementioned George Clooney and Matt Damon, under Soderbergh’s direction. His decision highlighted his adaptability and willingness to embrace new creative challenges at this stage in his career.
Why Roberts and Zeta-Jones Opted Out of the Third Film
While Pacino’s presence added a new layer to the Ocean’s saga, the absence of Julia Roberts and Catherine Zeta-Jones was conspicuous. Roberts, having portrayed Tess Ocean, and Zeta-Jones, who played Europol agent Isabel Lahiri, had been integral in the first two installments of the series. Their decision not to return for Ocean’s Thirteen sparked discussion among both fans and industry watchers.
According to statements by George Clooney and production sources, the reason came down to the script not featuring substantial roles for the two acclaimed actresses in the third film. Clooney remarked:
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 and producer
This absence led to a shift in the ensemble dynamic, placing greater narrative emphasis on the remaining members and the introduction of Pacino’s character. Despite the absence of Roberts and Zeta-Jones, the film retained its signature blend of wit, style, and high-stakes heist action, but it ultimately earned the lowest box office returns of the Clooney-led trilogy, totaling $311 million worldwide according to The Numbers.
Legacy and Impact of Ocean’s Thirteen
Al Pacino’s participation in Ocean’s Thirteen after rare franchise move not only expanded his own filmography, but also brought a fresh dynamic to Danny Ocean’s world, particularly through the character of Willy Bank. While the film didn’t match the critical or commercial peaks of its predecessors, it remains notable for its star-studded cast and high-profile casting changes. Neither Julia Roberts nor Catherine Zeta-Jones reprised their roles in subsequent Ocean’s projects, even with the launch of the all-female spin-off in 2018. Their decision allowed them to end their run with the franchise on a solid note, as later entries struggled with both reception and reinvention.
Today, Ocean’s Thirteen continues to attract viewers, available for streaming on Netflix in the USA. Fans of Al Pacino, as well as those interested in the evolution of ensemble heist films, continue to revisit this chapter in the series, reflecting on Pacino’s rare franchise act and the significant departures of Roberts and Zeta-Jones from the beloved Ocean’s universe.
