Exciting Updates on the ‘Ocean’s 14’ Sequel
As anticipation builds for the next installment of the Ocean’s franchise, news from Warner Bros. suggests that ‘Ocean’s 14’ is closer to becoming a reality. George Clooney has revealed an intriguing and potentially lethal update on the script. Initially, plans for a fourth heist film were put on hold after the passing of Bernie Mac, an original cast member. However, momentum picked up again in late 2023, when Clooney announced the completion of the script and efforts to reunite the cast. A significant development occurred when Edward Berger, known for ‘All Quiet on the Western Front,’ entered negotiations to direct, with both Clooney and Brad Pitt confirmed to reprise their roles.
Insight from Clooney and Pitt
During a red carpet interview with E! at the premiere of their upcoming film ‘Wolfs,’ Clooney and Pitt provided an update on the progress of ‘Ocean’s 14.’ Clooney emphasized that the script is ready and the next step involves securing commitments from the original cast:
George Clooney:
“We are [getting the band back together]. We have a really good script, and everybody’s read it and ready to do it, so we’re going to get to work.”
Pitt initially seemed surprised by the progress, only to be reminded by Clooney that he was already aware of the script and had even read it. Pitt quickly recalled the script, especially the part where Clooney mentions a humorous character death:
Brad Pitt:
“We got it?”
George Clooney:
“Yeah, we got it.”
Brad Pitt:
“Oh yeah, I remember, that’s right.”
George Clooney:
“Remember, you actually liked it… ‘Cause we kill someone that you think is funny.”
Brad Pitt:
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, that’s true, too.”
Implications for ‘Ocean’s 14’
Introducing Life-or-Death Stakes
The news of a character death in ‘Ocean’s 14’ may surprise loyal fans, as it would introduce a level of peril previously unseen in the series. Although the first three films had moments of tension—such as Pitt’s Rusty narrowly avoiding a bombing by Andy Garcia’s Terry Benedict—the franchise has yet to confirm a character death. ‘Ocean’s Thirteen’ came close when Elliott Gould’s Reuben suffered a heart attack, but he recovered by the film’s end.
10 Ocean's Cast Members Who Must Return For Ocean's 14
As for who might meet their end in ‘Ocean’s 14,’ Clooney’s comment about Pitt finding it funny could hint at the demise of a past antagonist, like Terry. However, with the passing of Bernie Mac and Carl Reiner since ‘Ocean’s Thirteen,’ there might be a poignant yet humorous way to address their characters’ absence in the upcoming sequel.
Our Perspective on the Character Death
Establishing Authentic Stakes
Although the thought of losing a cherished character is saddening, introducing a character death in ‘Ocean’s 14’ might benefit the series. With 17 years since ‘Thirteen’s release, the uncertainty surrounding Danny and his crew’s return has been unsettling for fans. This was especially true when ‘Ocean’s 8’ left viewers questioning Danny’s fate, with no follow-up to either the spinoff or original series.
The spinoff did feature returns of some familiar faces, such as Gould’s Reuben, Qin Shaobo’s “The Amazing” Yen, Reiner’s Saul Bloom, and Matt Damon’s Linus Caldwell, though the latter two appearances were ultimately cut.
While Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling’s ‘Ocean’s’ prequel is still in development, having ‘Ocean’s 14’ introduce genuine stakes could be the perfect send-off for the ensemble of thieves. It could serve as a pivotal moment for them to leave their heist-filled lives behind, culminating in one last grand adventure before retiring to peaceful lives. This resolution could shift the narrative focus to other characters within the universe, eliminating the lingering question of whether fans will see their favorite characters again.
Source: E!
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.
