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TheOcean’sfranchise featured some iconic actors in the high-stakes heist series but there were some who rejected the roles. Fans might not know, but Johnny Depp and Mark Wahlberg were approached for the first film which they unfortunately turned down.

However, the most shocking revelation came when George Clooney confessed that Bruce Willis was offered his role inOcean’s Elevenopposite Julia Roberts. TheDie Hardactor later featured in a cameo for the second film but Clooney claimed Willis always regretted turning down the opportunity to play the iconic Danny Ocean.
The confession: Bruce Willis as the heist mastermind?
Many actors rejected roles from movies which later went on to develop into successful franchises, making them regret their hasty decisions. Something similar happened withSteven Soderbergh‘sOcean’s Elevenwhich was rejected by a number of known Hollywood actors.
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ThoughGeorge Clooney,Julia Roberts,Matt Damon, and Brad Pitt ended up signing for the film, one actor was notably missed. TheWolfsactor revealed in an interview withTimethat originally his character was supposed to be emulated by another iconic star.
Bruce Willis turned down the first one. He was supposed to be Danny Ocean, and he did end up doing the second one. I think he regretted not being in the first.

Originally,Bruce Williswas approached to play Danny Ocean but he had to turn down the offer due to scheduling conflicts (via Hollywood.com). Although thePulp Fictionstar managed to be a part of the series by appearing for a short cameo inOcean’s Twelve, Clooney claimed he always regretted losing the first opportunity.
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TheMoney Monsteractor went on to reprise his role for two more movies in the franchise, becoming an essential part of the plot. The creators even managed to get the legendary actorAl PacinoforOcean’s Thirteen, which was Soderbergh’s last film in the franchise.
Another missed opportunity? If not the hero, be the villain
The action superstar was allegedly offered another iconic role in the first movie. In an interview withAin’t It Cool News, it was revealed that the Assassin lead was also approached to portray the film’s central antagonist.
Willis was initially keen to take the part and expressed interest in working with George Clooney.

He was supposed to play the role of Terry Benedict, Danny’s ex-wife’s current boyfriend but due to the role being incomplete at the time he passed the offer. TheWire Roomlead later came to regret the decision because he was very excited to work alongside theGravityactor.
The fourth film of the franchise received mixed reviews and fans felt the absence of the original characters but it did include some phenomenal actresses. Gary Ross took the mantle after the previous filmmaker decided to end Danny’s storyline, introducing the heist master’s sister, aka Debbie Ocean.

I do honestly feel like it’s Groundhog Day. This film is a wonderful, fun romp and piece of entertainment. If this is being forced by the media to stand for all female-centric films, it’s an enormous pressure — it’s unsustainable.
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The female-ledOcean’s Eightpremiered eleven years after the previous film in the franchise.Cate Blanchettspoke about the immense pressure the cast members were under to withstand the series’ legacy (via USA Today). Led bySandra Bullock, the movie included likes of Sarah Paulson, Anne Hathaway,Helena Bonham Carter, and more.
Ocean’s ElevenandOcean’s Eightare currently available to watch on Prime Video.
Shruti Pathak
Articles Published :286
An entertainment writer with a passion for storytelling that transcends genres, Shruti Pathak is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in English. She is also a devoted poetry enthusiast, exploring the beauty of language and emotion through verse. Obsessed with the show Friends, a self-proclaimed swiftie, and inspired by classical literature these are just some characteristics that describe the novice writer. Newly joining FandomWire as an intern writer, she hopes to share her thoughts while sharpening her writing skills on various entertainment topics.
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Andy GarciaBruce WillisGeorge ClooneyJulia RobertsOcean’s ElevenSteven Soderbergh
