Always expect the unexpected when it comes to the Ocean’s franchise.
It was indeed quite a surprise when Steven Soderbergh, fresh off his award-worthy 2000 double-whammy of Erin Brockovich and Traffic, veered into the strictly commercial with a remake of the classic Rat Pack heist movie Ocean’s Eleven. Perhaps even more shockingly, the film was a massive hit that spawned two direct sequels, one gender-flipped sequel, and later confirmation of a prequel movie starring Margot Robbie and Bradley Cooper. Which is not to mention the already confirmed Ocean’s 14, a proper sequel to the first three films, bringing back George Clooney and Brad Pitt.
It indeed had begun seeming like Ocean’s 14 might make it to screens first, given the behind-the-scenes drama playing out with the untitled Cooper-Robbie project, but there’s been yet another twist in the story, as announced prequel star Wagner Moura just revealed that not only is the project chugging ahead, it’s currently before cameras. “They’re already shooting it,” the Narcos star said when asked for a status update. “I’m doing a play [A Trial – after An Enemy of the People] here in Europe, and as soon as I wrap that, I’m going to join them. I’m playing a part that I can’t really talk about, unfortunately.”
Moura and Monica Barbaro were announced as new Ocean’s prequel cast members back in June, along with Josh Gad, Vicky Krieps, George MacKay, Omar Sy, Lauren Ridloff, and Jack Holden, with Moura set to play the main villain. Cooper by that point had already changed his own behind-the-scenes role, taking on writing and directing chores after the departure of original director Lee Isaac Chung. Ryan Gosling also was reported at one time to be circling the movie, but had dropped out as of October. Rumor had Benicio Del Toro joining the film as well, but there’s been no confirmation on his involvement.
Given all this production tumult, it was perhaps fair to assume there would be some delay in shooting, but things have seemingly been pulled together quickly, with Moura confirming that he’ll soon be on his way to join his new Ocean’s prequel castmates. Filming reportedly will take place in Monaco and Nice, with August 24 said to be the filming start date, though Moura’s remarks make it seem that kick-off was moved up.
More Ocean’s prequel updates are sure to be coming along soon, though fans should not expect too much in the way of plot information, given the need for secrecy on a movie that will no doubt hinge upon some surprising twists and turns. Ocean’s 14 is also on the watch-list, giving fans of the heist franchise plenty to look forward to.
- Cast
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George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Julia Roberts, Don Cheadle, Casey Affleck, Scott Caan, Elliott Gould, Bernie Mac, Eddie Jemison, Carl Reiner, Qin Shaobo, Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Rihanna
- Movie(s)
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Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Twelve, Ocean’s Thirteen, Ocean’s Eight
- Character(s)
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Danny Ocean, Rusty Ryan, Linus Caldwell, Terry Benedict, Tess Ocean, Basher Tarr, Virgil Malloy, Turk Malloy, Reuben Tishkoff, Livingston Dell, Saul Bloom, Yen (Ocean’s), Deborah Ocean, Lou Miller, Rose Weil, Daphne Kluger, Nine Ball