After being first revealed a couple of years ago and sitting dormant, the female-led Ocean's Eleven film is coming together fast all of the sudden. And like the original Soderbergh trilogy, this is shaping up to be one starry affair with Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Elizabeth Banks, Mindy Kaling, and Helena Bonham Carter on board the caper film, which may or may not see George Clooney's Danny Ocean making an appearance. Slashfilm caught up with its director, Gary Ross, who clarified exactly what the film is, and rest assured it's not a remake or a reboot, but a continuation titled Ocean's Eight.
“I think it’s a pretty similar tone. You know, Steven Soderbergh and I are incredibly close friends, and we would not have done this if we weren’t. I don’t think he would’ve wanted anyone to do it if we weren’t. This is very much an extension and a continuation. We’re different filmmakers, obviously, so there will be those differences, but one of the things I’m drawn to is the amazing tone Steven was able to create, and we discuss that a lot….I’m in no way trying to reinvent the tone, and I’m thrilled and honored to be extending it. It’s really fun to work with.”
What we've heard is that Bullock will be playing Danny Ocean's sister, who is engaged in a plot to steal a necklace from the Met Ball to frame a crooked gallery owner. While some may balk at the idea of women being asked to steal a necklace rather than big wads of casino cash like the fellas, it does sound like the general tone and style is being kept.
Shooting on Ocean's Eight is set to begin late this year or early next, and there are still plenty of roles left to be filled.
