Matt Damon Says ‘Ocean’s 14’ Is Still Moving Forward, But Cast Scheduling Remains a Major Hurdle

So, not only is “Ocean’s 14” a real possibility, but a few months ago, George Clooney confirmed that location scouting was underway, with the production aiming for an October 2026 shoot.

Six months later, that October date seems less likely. Guesting on The Rich Eisen Show, Matt Damon suggested that while there might be another instalment “in the mix,” bringing it to reality is a significant logistical challenge. The primary hurdle is coordinating the busy schedules of the entire cast to ensure everyone is available at the same time.

Despite these complications, Damon noted that the team is likely close to making it happen and that he would love to reunite with his former castmates, as those projects are always a blast to film. He described the group as being in a “holding pattern,” ready to reunite if the scheduling pieces can be successfully align.

Clooney had previously mentioned that the next Ocean movie would take inspiration from 1979’s “Going in Style,” a highly amusing ’70s comedy directed by Martin Brest and starring George Burns and Art Carney. Brest’s film followed a pair of aging bank robbers coming to terms with getting older — and that seems to be the blueprint for “Ocean’s 14.”

Furthermore, Clooney confirmed that the film will reunite him with his longtime co-stars, including Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, Andy Garcia, and Don Cheadle. I wonder if Elliot Gould, 88, will be back. How about franchise regulars Scott Caan, Casey Affleck, and Qin Shaobo? All three have had recurring roles in the “Ocean’s” films.

Now, the big question: who will direct it? Steven Soderbergh is not coming back. He believes that the series has “been there and done that,” and there’s nothing left for him to add. Soderbergh directed the first three instalments. The most commercially successful — and arguably the best — of the Ocean’s films is the 2001 original. The first sequel, 2004’s “Ocean’s Twelve,” was a hot meta mess, while the final film, 2007’s “Ocean’s Thirteen,” returned to the more commercial formula of the original.

There’s been a rumor circulating for months that David Leitch is in talks to direct the sequel. Leitch helmed 2022’s “Bullet Train,” starring Pitt, and, despite its disappointing box office, earned positive reviews for 2024’s “The Fall Guy.” I heard many months ago that Clooney might actually take a crack at directing it.

It should be mentioned that an “Ocean’s” prequel, directed by Bradley Cooper, is starting production this month. Also starring Cooper and Margot Robbie, the film is set in the ’60s, with the pair portraying the parents of Danny Ocean, the character played by Clooney.