George Clooney has revealed that the long-anticipated follow-up to the Ocean‘s Eleven series is moving closer to production, with filming expected to begin in about nine to ten months. The actor and director confirmed that Warner Bros. has approved the budget, and scheduling is the final hurdle before filming can start, likely in 2026. This news brings renewed hope for fans eager to see the iconic cast reunite in Las Vegas for another heist adventure.
Clooney Excited to Reunite with Key Cast Members
During a recent interview with E! News, Clooney shared his enthusiasm about reuniting with Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, and Julia Roberts, who plays Tess Ocean, Danny Ocean’s wife. He mentioned having dinner with Roberts recently, emphasizing the close friendships among the cast. This camaraderie suggests a strong on-screen dynamic is likely to return with the new installment.
“We just got the budget approved at Warner Bros. and we’re trying to set up,”
Clooney said.
“It’s just scheduling, so it’s just setting a start date for us. Probably start in about nine or 10 months, shooting.”
“I had dinner last night with Julia. They’re all still really dear friends so, the chance to work together would be fun,”
he added. – George Clooney, actor and director
Legacy and Loss Within the Ocean’s Franchise
The original Ocean’s trilogy, directed by Steven Soderbergh, featured a core cast that included Clooney, Pitt, Damon, and others. Unfortunately, some beloved members of the crew have passed away since the last film in 2007. Bernie Mac, who portrayed Frank Catton and was known for his sharp comedic talent, died in 2008 due to cardiac arrest.
Carl Reiner, who played Saul Bloom, passed away in 2020. His career was marked by numerous accolades, including 11 Emmy Awards and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Their absence marks a bittersweet note as the franchise prepares for its next chapter.
Spin-Off and Expansion of the Ocean’s Universe
In 2018, the franchise expanded with Ocean’s 8, led by Sandra Bullock as Debbie Ocean, Danny Ocean’s sister. This continuation featured a star-studded cast, including Cate Blanchett, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter, Sarah Paulson, Mindy Kaling, Anne Hathaway, and Awkwafina. The film hinted at Debbie’s connection to Danny, regularly visiting his gravesite and questioning his presumed death, leaving the door open for future storylines.
Clooney’s Vision for a New Ocean’s Installment
Earlier in 2023, Clooney spoke with Uproxx about a promising script for another Ocean’s project, describing it as “actually a great script.” He compared the upcoming film’s tone to the 1979 heist comedy Going in Style, which focused on older characters planning a heist, referencing both the original cast and its 2017 remake starring Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and Alan Arkin. This suggests a blend of nostalgia and fresh perspective for the new film.
“We have a really good script for another Ocean’s now, so we may end up doing another one,”
Clooney said.
“It’s actually a great script.”
“The idea is kind of like Going in Style,”
he added. – George Clooney, actor and director
Separate Projects and Possible Connections in the Ocean’s Franchise
While Clooney’s Ocean’s 14 seems poised to continue in Las Vegas with the original crew, another Ocean’s-related project is in the works, reportedly starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling and set in 1960s Europe. This film appears distinct from Clooney’s follow-up, but he joked about a fictional family connection between the stars.
“Yeah! Margot Robbie is my mother? I’ve always thought that,”
Clooney joked at the Hollywood premiere of The Boys in the Boat.
“Ryan Gosling is my father. Now when you think about it, it makes sense. Truly.”
What This Means for the Franchise and Fans
The confirmation that George Clooney Ocean’s filming is likely to begin next year marks an important revival for one of Hollywood’s most beloved crime series. Fans can anticipate seeing many familiar faces return as the franchise not only honors its past but also introduces new elements. With the script finalized and the budget approved, the next Ocean’s film could blend the original team’s chemistry with fresh ideas, further expanding the franchise’s legacy.
