The Ocean's Franchise Expansion
The Ocean's franchise has experienced remarkable longevity since its 1960 debut with the Rat Pack. The 2001 Steven Soderbergh remake became the most commercially successful entry, establishing George Clooney as Danny Ocean and creating an ensemble cast that defined modern heist cinema. The original trilogy concluded with Ocean's Thirteen in 2007, followed by the all-female spin-off Ocean's 8 in 2018.
The upcoming expansion marks a significant moment for the franchise, with both a direct sequel and prequel in development simultaneously. This dual approach allows the franchise to honor its legacy while introducing new audiences to the Ocean's universe through different time periods and characters. The projects represent a major investment from Warner Bros, with budget approval already finalized for Ocean's Fourteen.
Ocean's Fourteen: The Direct Sequel
Ocean's Fourteen will serve as a direct continuation of the original trilogy, reuniting the core cast that made the 2001-2007 films iconic. George Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, and Don Cheadle are all expected to return. The production timeline indicates shooting will commence in approximately 9-10 months from late 2025, with the team currently in the scheduling and location-scouting phase.
Cast members have expressed enthusiasm about the project. Matt Damon stated in 2024 that the group remains open to returning if they can assemble the entire ensemble and secure a strong script. The sequel promises to maintain the sophisticated heist plotting and ensemble dynamics that defined the original trilogy while bringing the franchise into a contemporary setting.
The 1960s Prequel with Margot Robbie
The prequel film represents a fresh creative direction for the franchise, set in 1960s Europe and designed to connect with the original 1960 Ocean's 11 while maintaining continuity with the established universe. Margot Robbie and Bradley Cooper will lead the cast, with Jay Roach directing and Carrie Solomon writing the screenplay. Robbie is also serving as a producer alongside her LuckyChap Entertainment company.
This project was initially conceived in 2022 and has evolved significantly in its development. The prequel will explore the origins and backstories within the Ocean's universe, offering audiences a different perspective on the heist genre while introducing new characters and dynamics. The film is intended as an original Ocean's story rather than a reboot, ensuring it complements rather than replaces the existing franchise continuity.