Ocean's Trilogy

''Ocean's'' is a series of heist films. Beginning with the 1960 Rat Pack film '' Ocean's 11'', the series has seen mixed to favorable critical reception and substantial commercial success. After the 1960 film, a reboot trilogy was released from 2001 to 2007, often cited as defining its genre and leading to a proliferation and commercialization of heist films throughout the world. The most commercially successful was the first film, ''Ocean's Eleven'' (2001). It established the ensemble cast of George Clooney as Danny Ocean, Matt Damon as Linus Caldwell, and Brad Pitt as Rusty Ryan. A long list of supporting cast members maintain the trilogy. The first sequel, ''Ocean's Twelve'', was released in 2004, with the final film, ''Ocean's Thirteen'', following in 2007. An all-female spin-off titled ''Ocean's 8'' was released in 2018.

Origin

The ''Ocean's'' film series was inspired by and based on the 1960 heist film '' Ocean's 11''. Directed by Lewis Milestone, with a script co-written by Harry Brown and Charles Lederer, from an original story by George Clayton Johnson and Jack Golden Russell; the movie starred five of the Rat Pack: Peter Lawford, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Joey Bishop.'' Variety'' film review; August 10, 1960, page 6.

Films

''Ocean's Eleven'' (2001)

Master thief Danny Ocean (George Clooney), just out of prison, plans an elaborate Las Vegas three-casino-heist to win back his ex-wife, Tess (Julia Roberts). To that end, he recruits ten other thieves and con men to pull off the complex job, eventually stealing US$160 million.

''Ocean's Twelve'' (2004)

Ocean's crew is blackmailed by the casino owner they stole from—Terry Benedict ( Andy Garcia)—into paying him just over $198 million (their loot plus interest). The team is given two weeks to come up with the money so they travel to Europe to execute three heists.

''Ocean's Thirteen'' (2007)

Ocean and his crew plan to rig a new casino's opening night to inflict ruinous losses after its ruthless owner Willy Bank (Al Pacino) double-crosses one of the gang, with plans to ruin his life.

''Ocean's 8'' (2018)

Soderbergh and George Clooney initially downplayed the possibility of an ''Ocean's Fourteen'' or subsequent sequels after Bernie Mac's death in 2008. Several years later, a new ''Ocean's Eleven'' spin-off with an all-female cast led by Sandra Bullock as the sister of George Clooney's Danny Ocean was put in development, conceived by producer Jerry Weintraub, Soderbergh and Clooney. Olivia Milch wrote the screenplay, and Gary Ross directed the film. Helena Bonham Carter, Cate Blanchett, Mindy Kaling, Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, Nora "Awkwafina" Lum and Sarah Paulson star in the film. The film was released in the United States on June 8, 2018.

Future

Untitled prequel film

In May 2022, a prequel film set in 1960s Europe was revealed to be in development, which will also connect to and incorporate elements from the original film, and is intended to not be a reboot, but instead set within the established continuity. Margot Robbie will star in and produce the project, while Jay Roach will serve as director with a script written by Carrie Solomon. Tom Ackerley and Roach will additionally serve as producers. The project will be a joint-venture production between Warner Bros. Pictures, LuckyChap Entertainment, and Village Roadshow Pictures. Shortly after its initial announcement, Ryan Gosling entered early negotiations in August to co-star in the film, alongside Robbie. In December 2023, it was revealed that the characters that Robbie and Gosling would be playing are the parents of Danny and Debbie Ocean (as portrayed by Clooney and Bullock, respectively). The film's tentative production start date was for spring 2023, but was ultimately delayed due to the cast's production schedule.

''Ocean's Fourteen''

A sequel to ''Ocean's Thirteen'' had been in development until Bernie Mac's death. In June 2021, Don Cheadle revealed that Steven Soderbergh had been working on the concept of a sequel film. The following month, Matt Damon also expressed interest in returning to the franchise, while stating that the project was up to Soderbergh. In December 2023, George Clooney revealed that the script for the film was completed and confirmed his involvement. He said that the story was comparable to '' Going in Style''. In September 2024, it was announced that Edward Berger was in early negotiations to direct the film, with Clooney and Brad Pitt reprising their roles from previous movies. Various recurring characters are expected to also return, while the movie will be a joint-venture production between Warner Bros. Pictures, and Smokehouse Pictures. While Clooney and Pitt have confirmed that there is a script made, and both liked it, it was confirmed that there was no such discussion with Berger specifically. In January 2025, it was reported that David Leitch was in talks to direct ''Ocean's Fourteen'', with Damon and Casey Affleck set to return; Leitch and Pitt previously worked together on '' Bullet Train'' (2022).

Potential crossover

In April 2023, Steven Soderbergh and George Clooney said during the Toronto International Film Festival that they had discussed a crossover sequel with the ''Magic Mike'' saga.

Principal cast and characters

Additional crew and production details

Reception

Box office performance

Critical response

See also

* List of films set in Las Vegas

Notes

References

{{Warner Bros. franchises

Warner Bros. Pictures franchises

American film series
Film series introduced in 1960
Action film series