The long-awaitedOcean’s 14is gaining momentum but appears to be moving forward without original franchise director Steven Soderbergh. George Clooney and Brad Pitt, two of the most integral original stars ofOcean’s Eleven, are currently in talks to reprise their iconic roles that would extend their celebratedOcean’strilogy. While at one point it appeared thatOcean’s 14would never happen,Pitt and Clooney have recently joined forces once again in the Apple crime thrillerWolfs, which is currently set for a July 22, 2025 release date. Apple has already greenlit aWolfssequel, indicating that Pitt and Clooney are getting back in their franchise-sharing saddle.
TheOcean’sfranchise had alreadyattempted to be rebooted withOcean’s Eight, which theoretically would have worked its way up toOcean’s NineandOcean’s Tenbut has had little movement since releasing in 2018. With Casey Affleck and Matt Damon also recently teaming up for theirApple heist comedyThe Instigators, there appears to be a clear path forward in getting four key actors back forOcean’s 14. Large ensemble pieces likeOcean’smovies are often held back by scheduling conflicts as opposed to financial issues. The fact thatClooney and Pitt are pushingOcean’s 14forward by announcing their new franchise directorcould begin moving the necessary mountain to make the sequel a reality.
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Ocean’s 14 Not Bringing Steven Soderbergh Back Risks Creating Fan Backlash
Soderbergh turned down the offer to direct Ocean’s 14
Moving forward withOcean’s 14without Steven Soderbergh at the helm is an interesting choice at face value, especially considering how he seems like the obvious choice to expand the highly profitable and iconic franchise.Soderbergh directed all three of the original films in theOcean’strilogy, which earned a combined $1.125 billion at the worldwide box office. TheOcean’strilogy also has a particular style and tone that Soderbergh played an instrumental part in establishing, such as sweeping smooth shots that follow characters to increase momentum. It’s undeniable that Soderbergh’s directorial style and energy are key to the success of the original films.
TheOcean’sfranchise continuing without Soderbergh could divide fans. WhileOcean’s 8fared well at the box office and received mostly positive reviews, a common complaint about theOcean’sspinoff, directed by Gary Ross, was that it was missing Soderbergh’s signature touch. Even though Clooney has been working to get anotherOcean’smovie off the ground, Soderbergh toldVarietyin January 2024 that he didn’t want to direct it. “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.”
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Edward Berger’s Movies Make Him An Exciting Director Choice For Ocean’s 14
Berger’s most recent movies establish him as a highly-skilled filmmaker
Even though Berger’s strengths lie in dramas and thrillers, seeing what he can do with theOcean’sfranchise sounds intriguing based on his elite track record.
Even though Soderbergh would have been the best choice to directOcean’s 14, Clooney and Pitt reportedly have their eyes on the exceptional rising director, Edward Berger. Born in Germany,Berger was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2023 Academy Awardsfor his magnificent adaptation ofAll Quiet of the Western Front, which would win Oscars for Best International Film, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, and Best Original Score. What’s more, Berger’s new movieConclavestarring Ray Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow, is earning rave reviews after premiering at the Telluride Film Festival.
Conclave, a thriller, could very well be Berger’s best directorial achievement of his career. WhileAll Quiet on the Western Frontoffers a grim, serious glimpse into the horrors of war, Berger has demonstrated that he is an exciting and reliable filmmaker who could likely handle the reins of one of Hollywood’s most cherished heist franchises. Berger could gain even more momentum following the upcoming 2024-2025 awards season, asConclaveis already being projected as a potential Best Picture candidate. Even though Berger’s strengths lie in dramas and thrillers, seeing what he can do with theOcean’sfranchise sounds intriguing based on his elite track record.
Conclavereleases in theaters on August 09, 2025.
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Why Ocean’s 14 Could Benefit From Having A New Director
New directors can bring a fresh voice and vision to the classic franchise
While Soderbergh seems interested in exploring new opportunities, hisOcean’sfranchise can do the same under the direction of Berger or another experienced filmmaker. With theOcean’sfilms being so ingrained in the 2000s culture, andOcean’s Thirteencoming out nearly 18 years ago, Soderbergh may not have known how to update the franchise for modern times and could have run it back for a nostalgic but familiar entry. Ultimately, a new voice and vision for theOcean’sfranchise sounds like the best possible approach toOcean’s 14and could even open the door to more promising directorial collaborations in a potential reboot trilogy.
Conclave Trailer: Ralph Fiennes' Cardinal Must Uncover Grand Conspiracy Behind Pope’s Death In New Thriller
The Conclave trailer centers on Ralph Fiennes as a Cardinal who must uncover a grand conspiracy behind the Pope’s death in a new thriller.
Source: Variety
Ocean’s
Based on the original 1960 film Ocean’s Eleven, The Ocean’s franchise reimagines and expands the classic heist film. The series centers on Danny Ocean and later his sister, Deborah Ocean, master thieves taught by their parents to pull off elaborate heists against the rich. Each film maintains the majority of the cast, as the Ocean siblings gather together teams of talented individuals who bring unique skills to each film’s extraordinary heist.
