Cate Blanchett headlines Steven Soderbergh’s new spy thriller,Black Bag, making me hope she returns to a major franchise to bring about a grand reunion.Black Baghas received consistently positive reviewssince its debut, with audiences praising the film’s blend of compelling relationships, thrilling action, and captivating allure. While Blanchett is one member ofBlack Bag’s strong cast, it’s the collective power of the performances that truly elevates the 93-minute film. However,Black Bagraces through its plot, filled with exposition and twists, and Blanchett is at the core of the action.
The actress has been nominated for eight Oscars, which is a testament to her natural aptitude for any role she’s given.Blanchett’s varied filmographyspans many genres, and she has a striking ability to raise the quality of any project she’s involved with. Throughout her career, the star has collaborated with several esteemed directors, including Guillermo del Toro, Alejandro Iñárritu, and David Fincher.Blanchett’s latest project with Steven Soderbergh is of particular significance, though, as it shares a striking connection with a past role in a beloved Hollywood franchise, which increases the likelihood of an exciting reunion.
Cate Blanchett Should Return to The Ocean’s Franchise After Black Bag
Blanchett Shines In Sophisticated Criminal & Espionage Roles
Of course, Blanchett brought a sophisticated and effortlessly charismatic energy to theOcean’sfranchise, an ability which is only further demonstrated by her role as Kathryn St. Jean inBlack Bag.Soderbergh explained that Blanchett was ideal forBlack Bagas the role required a talented actor, but more importantly, someone who could pull off “old-fashioned Hollywood glamour,” and the director was convinced Blanchett had both qualities (viaYahoo! Entertainment.) This elegance and poise are essential for the characters in theOcean’sfranchise and are present in herOcean’s 8performance, where style and sophistication are paramount.
(Clooney-era)Ocean’sMovie
2001
2004
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2007
Ocean’s 8
2018
Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway
Gary Ross
Not to mention,Blanchett’s involvement inBlack Bagshows her continued interest and proficiency in the thriller genre,which aligns well with the crime elements of theOcean’sseries. Blanchett’s performance is a key highlight ofBlack Bag, particularly in her dynamic chemistry with her on-screen husband, Michael Fassbender. The overwhelmingly positive reviews forBlack Bagprove Blanchett remains at the top of her game, and her appeal has only been amplified since the movie’s premiere. Following this, her return to theOcean’sfranchise is very desirable and would create many new avenues for theOcean’snext installment.
I’d Really Like It If Steven Soderbergh Went Back To Ocean’s With Cate Blanchett Though
Soderbergh & Blanchett Didn’t Work Together For 2018’s Ocean’s 8
Soderbergh directed the originalOcean’sseries, though he did not return for the film’s soft reboot in 2018. The trilogy garnered an impressive $1.1 billion at the worldwide box office, and its global success is partly owed to Soderbergh’s signature style and energy. AlthoughOcean’s 8performed well during its theatrical release, a frequent criticism was that the movie didn’t have Soderbergh’s usual flair. However,the director was set against returning to the franchise — speaking withVariety, Soderbergh revealed: “I felt like the series was very much concluded for me. […] it just doesn’t feel like a move forward for me.”
Blanchett’s portrayal inBlack Bagechoes the same suave criminal energy she brought toOcean’s 8.
Blanchett was a superb addition in the fourth entry to theOcean’sfranchise, and though it was directed by Gary Ross, it again allowed her acting prowess to shine. Blanchett’s portrayal inBlack Bagechoes the same suave criminal energy she brought toOcean’s 8.Despite Soderergh’s absence, a return to theOcean’sseries by Soderbergh would be thrilling, particularly for the potential of a true reunion with Blanchett.Black Bagserves as a powerful reminder of Soderbergh and Blanchett’s talent for crafting refined and enjoyable heist narratives, meaning a dual return to theOcean’sfranchise would create a level of excitement far surpassing any expectations.
Cate Blanchett’s Ocean’s Franchise Return Is More Likely Than Steven Soderbergh’s
Soderbergh Suggested He’s Not Inclined To Revisit The Ocean’s Series
Ocean’s 8leaves the door open for Blanchett to reprise her role, and considering the recentannouncement ofOcean’s Fourteen, there’s a strong likelihood of her returning.Blanchett’sLou Miller is a standout character inOcean’s 8, serving as the protagonist’s trusted second-in-command — similar to Brad Pitt’s character in the previous films. Not including Blanchett inOcean’s Fourteenwould be a significant oversight. Despite her absence from the original trilogy, Lou would be an ideal addition to the team, and would perfectly complement the established dynamic in theOcean’sreboot.
How To Watch The Ocean’s Franchise In Order
The Ocean’s films were one of the most popular franchises of the 2000s, starting as a remake of a 1960s Sinatra classic & forming a new cast in 2018.
While the prospect of Blanchett’s return is thrilling afterBlack Bag,Soderbergh’s is simply not within the realm of possibility.Ocean’s Fourteen is already in development with David Leitch helming the project, confirming Soderbergh’s replacement. That being said, given the director’s past critical remarks aboutOcean’s 8,Soderbergh’s return to theOcean’sseries was always doubtful, as he likely lacks enthusiasm for further installments. AlthoughOcean’s Fourteenwill proceed without Soderbergh’s direction, I am remaining optimistic that Leitch is perfectly suited to take the franchise further with a fresh take.
