In a recent interview with Variety, director Steven Soderbergh made it clear that he has no intention of returning for a fourth installment of the Ocean’s heist series. Despite George Clooney’s enthusiasm for continuing the franchise, Soderbergh firmly stated that the series concluded for him after the third movie in 2007. This decision comes as a blow to fans who were hoping to see more of the beloved heist crew on the big screen.
However, in a separate interview with Uproxx, George Clooney revealed that there is a promising script for a potential fourth Ocean’s movie. Drawing inspiration from the 1979 heist dramedy Going in Style, this new installment aims to inject new life into the franchise by featuring retirees who decide to commit a robbery to bring enjoyment back into their lives. Clooney was careful not to label it as Ocean’s 14, leaving room for speculation about the direction the series might take.
Soderbergh’s Departure
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 both Clooney and Soderbergh had discussed revisiting the Ocean’s world, the passing of Bernie Mac, a beloved ensemble cast member, led to a mutual decision to not pursue it further at the time. Soderbergh’s recent focus on other projects, such as concluding the Magic Mike trilogy and his upcoming supernatural horror film, Presence, highlights his commitment to exploring new creative territories.
A Glimpse into the Future
The potential fourth Ocean’s movie could open up exciting possibilities for the franchise. By shifting the focus to a group of retirees, the film could introduce a fresh dynamic and explore new themes. This departure from the original formula may be just what the series needs to keep audiences engaged and eager for more.
Regardless of whether or not a fourth installment comes to fruition, the Ocean’s heist series has left a lasting impact on both the heist genre and the careers of its talented cast and crew. The combination of clever storytelling, stylish filmmaking, and charismatic performances has made the Ocean’s movies beloved by many. While it may be bittersweet to bid farewell to the series as we know it, fans can still cherish the memories of the heists, the camaraderie, and the thrill of the Ocean’s world.
As fans eagerly await news about the future of the Ocean’s franchise, they can also look forward to Soderbergh’s upcoming projects. His supernatural horror film, Presence, starring Lucy Liu and Julia Fox, is set to premiere at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival on January 19. This new venture showcases Soderbergh’s versatility as a filmmaker and promises to captivate audiences with its unique blend of horror and suspense.
While Steven Soderbergh’s departure from the Ocean’s franchise may disappoint some, the potential for a fresh take on the series with a fourth installment holds exciting promise. Whether or not the heist crew will reunite once again remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain – the legacy of the Ocean’s movies will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.
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