Despite George Clooney’s excitement and eagerness to continue the beloved Ocean’s heist series, it seems that director Steven Soderbergh has firmly rejected the opportunity to return for its fourth installment. In a recent interview with Variety, Soderbergh made it clear that, for him, the series concluded with the third movie in 2007. He expressed, “After we made the third movie, I felt like the series was very much concluded for me. When the studio approached me about continuing the franchise, I declined because it just doesn’t feel like a step forward. I’m pursuing something else.”
However, in another interview with Uproxx to promote his latest film, The Boys in the Boat, George Clooney revealed an intriguing update. He shared that there is a promising script ready for a fourth Ocean’s movie. This potential sequel draws inspiration from the 1979 heist dramedy Going in Style and aims to inject new life into the franchise. The storyline revolves around a group of retirees who, seeking to bring excitement back into their lives, decide to embark on one final robbery. Clooney cautiously mentioned, “We have a really good script for another Ocean’s now, so we may end up doing another one.” It’s important to note that he did not label it as “Ocean’s 14,” leaving room for new possibilities.
Steven Soderbergh’s decision to step away from the Ocean’s franchise comes more than a decade and a half after he directed Ocean’s Thirteen. While Clooney and Soderbergh had previously discussed revisiting the Ocean’s world, the unfortunate passing of ensemble cast member Bernie Mac led to a mutual agreement not to pursue it further at the time. Since then, Soderbergh has dedicated his attention to a variety of projects, including concluding the Magic Mike trilogy and his upcoming supernatural horror film, Presence, which features Lucy Liu and Julia Fox. These recent ventures highlight Soderbergh’s commitment to exploring new creative territories and pushing the boundaries of his filmmaking.
Looking Towards the Future
While it may be disheartening for fans to learn that Steven Soderbergh has chosen not to be involved in a potential fourth Ocean’s film, there is still hope with a promising script in George Clooney’s possession. Should the film move forward, it has the potential to breathe fresh air into the franchise by introducing a new group of characters and a different approach to the heist genre. The Ocean’s series has always been known for its star-studded ensemble casts, witty scripts, and slick execution, making it a fan favorite. Whether or not the fourth installment comes to fruition, the legacy of the Ocean’s franchise remains cemented as a cultural icon of heist films.
The future of the Ocean’s franchise hangs in the balance. While Steven Soderbergh has chosen to pursue other creative endeavors, George Clooney’s revelation about a promising script revitalizes the possibility of another Ocean’s film. Fans can only hope that this heist-filled world will once again grace the silver screen, bringing with it the excitement, charm, and stylish storytelling that the series has become synonymous with. Whether the fourth installment happens or not, one thing is for sure – the legacy of Danny Ocean and his crew’s capers will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.
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