Everything We Know About ‘Ocean’s Eight’ (So Far)

The age of reboots continues with the upcoming Ocean’s Eight, which will serve as an extension of the Ocean’s Eleven trilogy that starred George Clooney and Brad Pitt. The film has an impressive cast in place, but it remains to be seen if it will in fact be able to recapture what worked so well for those earlier heist films. There’s still a long way to go until the new film hits theaters, but in the meantime, let’s review everything we know about Ocean’s Eight so far.

1. It has an all-female take on the franchise

While the all-female route didn’t result in success for Paul Feig’s Ghostbusters reboot, it’s unfair to claim that the gender swap was responsible. That being said, we’re hopeful that the new Ocean’s can provide a refreshing spin on the formula of its predecessors, ushering in a bunch of fun and exciting new characters.

2. Sandra Bullock leads an all-star cast

Oscar winner Sandra Bullock will play the leader of the new crew, but gifted stars like Cate Blanchett, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Sarah Paulson, Rihanna, Mindy Kaling, and YouTube sensation Awkwafina round out the eight lead roles in a diverse, potentially epic cast.

3. Gary Ross directs

Perhaps best known for the first Hunger Games film, Ross is a versatile talent behind the camera, having directed historical dramas like Seabiscuit and wry comedy/dramas like Pleasantville. As much as director Steven Soderbergh brought to the last three films, we think Ross can pull this one off nicely.

4. Clooney and Soderbergh will produce

Although most of the crew behind the previous trilogy isn’t involved in the production, both Clooney and Soderbergh are staying on as producers. So fans of the other films can rest assured that at least this new take should bear a similar tone and sensibility to Soderbergh’s efforts.

5. It remains connected to the original trilogy

Even though the female-led approach might indicate that Ocean’s Eight is a fresh start, the film is actually connected to the other films. In fact, Bullock plays the estranged sister of Clooney’s Danny Ocean, making the new film more of a spinoff than a reboot of the franchise. That likely bodes well for longtime fans.

6. Ocean’s Ocho is no longer its title

At first, reports were listing the new film as Ocean’s Ocho. Though this Spanish-language twist on the series’ numerical titles would have been interesting, it has since been dropped, likely to conform to the other entries in the series. Plus, if it does well, Bullock and company can lead Ocean’s Nine and Ten, right?

7. It hits theaters in summer 2018

Ocean’s Eight is currently set to hit theaters on June 8, 2018, where it will face direct competition with the opening weekend of the untitled sixth Transformers film. That summer will be teeming with franchise fare, with Avengers: Infinity War, the Han Solo Star Wars film, the Jurassic World sequel, and The Incredibles 2 among the many anticipated releases coming in the weeks before and after Ocean’s Eight.

8. Matt Damon will briefly reprise his role

Although most of the original trilogy’s cast will not make an appearance in the new film, Matt Damon will reprise his role as Linus Caldwell, one of the central members of Danny Ocean’s crew in all three previous films. No word yet on how he will factor into the film, but we hope it sets up a potential return for Clooney and Pitt in a possible sequel.

9. Many celebrities will make cameos

While Damon will reprise his role, a slew of other celebrities will make cameo appearances, though it’s unknown if they’ll appear as themselves or in small character roles. These stars reportedly include Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Zayn Malik, Olivia Munn, Katie Holmes, and Anna Wintour.

10. Homeland star Damian Lewis is the villain

Damian Lewis — who starred alongside Claire Danes on Homeland — will play the target of the latest heist. His character will reportedly be an ex-lover of Bullock’s character, though it’s unclear so far if he’ll be the owner of a casino or if the new film will go in another direction. Only time will tell.

Follow Robert Yaniz Jr. on Twitter @CrookedTable

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