Director Gary Ross (Seabiscuit, The Hunger Games) is hard at work on Ocean's Eight, the all-female spinoff from the Ocean's Eleven franchise that will star an army of illustrious A-listers ranging from Cate Blanchett and Sandra Bullock to Anne Hathaway and Rihanna. Last we heard, this ensemble heist comedy would take place in the same "cinematic universe" as the three Ocean's movies starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon, and now it's being confirmed that one of them -- Damon -- will have a bit part in the upcoming film. The actor just said:
I'm doing a little bit in the movie. I haven't read it yet, but the cast is phenomenal and I'm excited to see what those women do with it. It's going to be fun.
Matt Damon was plugging Manchester By The Sea, Kenneth Lonergan's devastating new drama (which Damon produces), and he spoke with ET about the next phase of the Ocean's franchise, Ocean's Eight. As was known, this one would have an all-female cast, built around Blanchett, Bullock, Hathaway, Rihanna, Dakota Fanning, Herela Bonham Carter, Mindy Kalling, and Sarah Paulson. Sign us up. The ladies currently are filming in New York City, and the bits and pieces we have heard from the gossip line is that the heist will revolve around the annual Met Gala, a must for fashionistas from around the globe.
What ISN'T clear is whether or not Matt Damon will reprise his Ocean's role of Linus, or play someone different. Will this be like the all-female Ghostbusters, where an original member of the team -- be it Ernie Hudson, Dan Aykroyd or Bill Murray -- swings by to "give their blessing," only they don't play their original role? Or will the ladies need Linus' assistance in the field with something, giving Damon the chance to try on another ridiculous disguise. We can only pray he brings back that fake nose from Ocean's Thirteen.
Matt Damon has been a vocal supporter of the Ocean's Eight spinoff from day one, so seeing that he'll contribute isn't much of a surprise. In fact, I bet we hear of Brad Pitt and George Clooney coming by the set to film a bit or two during production. If it all works out, I'd love to see one massive team up movie with the full casts of both Ocean's franchises pulling off one giant heist. Cannonball Run style.
For now, Ocean's Eight is working toward a June 8, 2018 release date. Plenty of time to put this together.
