Back in October, we reported that Oscar WinnerSandra Bullockhad signed onto star in an allfemale rebootof the classic heist comedyOcean’s Eleven. Since then, we haven’t heard much about this project, although word spread last month thatJennifer Lawrencewas eyeing a role. Today we have word that, whileJennifer Lawrencewon’t be joining the cast,Elizabeth Banksis likely set to come aboard, along with new casting additionsCate Blanchett,Helena Bonham CarterandMindy Kaling.
Showbiz 411reports that this project will start filming early next year in New York City. No details were given about the characters played byElizabeth Banks,Cate Blanchett,Helena Bonham CarterorMindy Kaling. They will likely be part of this team of thieves assembled bySandra Bullock’s character, who is said to be the ex-con sister ofGeorge Clooney’s Danny Ocean from 2001’sOcean’s Eleven, and its sequelsOcean’s TwelveandOcean’s Thirteen.
Gary Ross(The Hunger Games) is set to direct from a script byOlivia Milch, which has been in development for the past two years. Our original report from October revealed that the story originated fromOcean’s ElevenstarGeorge Clooney, directorSteven Soderberghand late producerJerry Weintraub, who brought on writerOlivia Milch(Town & Country) to write the script. There was talk thatGeorge Clooneymay put in a cameo appearance as Danny Ocean, but it seems that isn’t happening, although it’s possible he could return in a potential sequel.
The story centers onSandra Bullock’s character, who assembles a team to steal a coveted necklace from the Met Ball, while framing a gallery owner for the crime.Cate Blanchettis reportedly playing the right-hand woman ofBullock’s character, similar toBrad Pitt’s Rusty in theOcean’s Eleventrilogy. The project reportedly has a working title ofOcean’s Ocho, teasing there will be eight thieves in this team.
Elizabeth Bankswill next be seen as the villainous Rita Repulsa in Lionsgate’sPower Rangersreboot, which hits theaters next March. The actress also recently dropped out as the director of Universal’sPitch Perfect 3, although she is staying on board as a producer, while returning in her on-screen role as Gail.Cate Blanchettwill start filmingThor: Ragnarokthis summer, portraying the Marvel comics villain Hela.Helena Bonham Cartercan currently be seen on the big screen as the Red Queen in Disney’sAlice Through the Looking Glass, whileMindy Kalingrecently lent her voice to Disney’s blockbusterInside Out.
