[Mike Fleming Jr., *Deadline*](https://deadline.com/2024/09/oceans-14-conclave-helmer-edward-berger-courted-to-join-george-clooney-brad-pitt-1236079225/):
> This is a bit early, but The Dish hears momentum is building on the Smokehouse-produced next installment of the Warner Bros caper film franchise that started with *Ocean’s Eleven*. Sources said that George Clooney and Brad Pitt are coming back, and they are courting Edward Berger to take over directing duties.
This is of no slight to Mr. Berger, who I am sure is a perfectly fine director, nor Mr.’s Clooney or Pitt.
This is a terrible idea.
Even if apparently, there’s been a script in the works, and [Clooney even likes it](https://variety.com/2023/film/news/george-clooney-oceans-14-sequel-great-script-exists-1235836403/). (How did *I* miss that?)
*Ocean’s Eleven* is one of my favorite movies of all time. The times I’ve watched it count easily into the dozens, if not hundreds. Danny Ocean, Rusty and the gang, I love their adventures.
And then *Ocean’s Twelve* happened. Though I’ve come to appreciate it as its own, scrappy movie, a fun European vacation for a bunch of actors who like to hangout together, it’s a total mess when compared to the first film, which is/was perfection.
They got very lucky with *Ocean’s Thirteen*. This is the first movie I can recall having the pitch of, “We know we screwed up last time, but *this* time, we nailed it.” And honestly? They did. While definitely the second best *Ocean’s* movie, it’s back to the rhythmic fun of the first, effortlessly cool.
A fourth film, going on two decades (god I’m old) after the third installment? You are TEMPTING FATE. You got your mea culpa. *Ocean’s 8* was fine. I’m intrigued by [the *Ocean’s* prequel coming with Margot Robbie and Ryan Gossling](https://collider.com/oceans-eleven-prequel-filming-date/). But there is no need for Danny and Rusty to come back. Rob Reiner has passed. Bernie Mac has passed. The need for this has passed.
Just keep doing more [*Ocean’s*-like movies like *Wolfs*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLJUPjiRbAM&pp=ygUNd29sZnMgdHJhaWxlcg%3D%3D “WOLFS — Official Trailer | Apple TV+”). I’ll watch ‘em every time you make ‘em. And you’re [already getting a sequel](https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2024/08/apple-original-films-sets-wolfs-sequel-in-advance-of-september-20-limited-theatrical-release-and-september-27-global-streaming-launch-of-new-feature-starring-and-produced-by-superstars-brad-pitt-and-george-clooney/) for that one. Don’t tempt fate. You won at the roulette table. Take your winnings.