Cate Blanchett takes center stage in Steven Soderbergh’s latest spy thriller, Black Bag. Her performance has sparked hopes among fans for a grand re-entry into a major franchise, particularly one that could unite her with beloved characters from previous films. Since its release, Black Bag has garnered an impressive wave of positive feedback, lauded for its intriguing character dynamics, exhilarating action sequences, and a magnetic atmosphere. Although Blanchett’s presence is a significant draw, it is the ensemble cast that amplifies the film’s overall impact, culminating in a compelling 93-minute experience filled with twists and exposition.
With eight Academy Award nominations to her name, Blanchett’s versatility across different genres is undeniable. She possesses a remarkable capability to enhance any project she touches. Throughout her distinguished career, Blanchett has worked alongside some of the most prominent directors in the industry, including Guillermo del Toro and David Fincher. Her most recent collaboration with Soderbergh is particularly noteworthy due to its intriguing parallels to her previous iconic roles, hinting that a nostalgic reunion may not be far off.
Why Cate Blanchett Should Rejoin the Ocean’s Franchise Post-Black Bag
Blanchett Excels in Complex Criminal and Espionage Roles
Blanchett’s role in the Ocean’s franchise was marked by her sophisticated and magnetic appeal, a quality she effortlessly replicates as Kathryn St. Jean in Black Bag. Soderbergh himself noted Blanchett’s suitability for this new role, highlighting her ability to embody “old-fashioned Hollywood glamour”(via Yahoo! Entertainment). This charm is reminiscent of her dynamic performance in Ocean’s 8, where sophistication is pivotal to her character.
|
(Clooney-era) Ocean’s Movie |
Year |
Cast |
Director |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ocean’s Eleven |
2001 |
George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon |
Steven Soderbergh |
|
Ocean’s Twelve |
2004 |
” ” |
Steven Soderbergh |
|
Ocean’s Thirteen |
2007 |
” ” |
Steven Soderbergh |
|
Ocean’s 8 |
2018 |
Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway |
Gary Ross |
Moreover, Blanchett’s role in Black Bag highlights her continuing passion and skill in the thriller genre, making her a fitting choice for future entries in the Ocean’s series. Her chemistry with co-star Michael Fassbender has drawn favorable comparisons, and the film’s success underscores Blanchett’s ongoing relevance and star power. There’s immense potential for her to bring new energy to the franchise, creating novel storylines in upcoming narratives.
A Desire for Soderbergh’s Return to the Ocean’s Franchise with Blanchett
Soderbergh and Blanchett Did Not Collaborate on 2018’s Ocean’s 8
While Soderbergh helmed the original Ocean’s trilogy, he did not return for the 2018 reboot, Ocean’s 8. The trilogy itself earned an astounding $1.1 billion at the global box office, largely attributed to Soderbergh’s distinct touch and storytelling style. Although Ocean’s 8 fared well, critics noted a lack of Soderbergh’s signature flair. Soderbergh himself expressed his reluctance to return, stating in an interview with Variety, “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 in Black Bag encapsulates the same suave villainy she embodied in Ocean’s 8. She was a brilliant addition to the ensemble cast, showcasing her range and depth, a trend that might benefit any forthcoming projects in the Ocean’s franchise. Her performance has revitalized interest in the notion of a reunion between Soderbergh and Blanchett, beckoning fans to imagine a captivating sequel that revisits the thrilling heist narrative crafted by the pair.
The Likelihood of Cate Blanchett’s Return to the Ocean’s Franchise Compared to Soderbergh’s
Soderbergh Signals a Lack of Interest in Revisiting the Ocean’s Series
With the conclusion of Ocean’s 8, the possibility of Blanchett returning remains strong, especially in light of recent news about Ocean’s Fourteen being in development. Blanchett’s character, Lou Miller, serves as a crucial ally to the film’s protagonist, mirroring the significant roles played by male counterparts in earlier entries. Excluding her from any future projects in the Ocean’s series would certainly be a missed opportunity. The addition of Lou Miller in Ocean’s Fourteen would seamlessly harmonize with the established team dynamic.
Although the hope for Blanchett’s return is high following the success of Black Bag, the chances of Soderbergh joining her seem slim. With Ocean’s Fourteen already underway under director David Leitch, Soderbergh’s direction has been confirmed as absent from this future endeavor. Given his previous criticisms of Ocean’s 8, it seems unlikely that he will return. Nonetheless, my optimism for Leitch’s fresh approach to the franchise continues, hopeful for exciting new developments on the horizon.
Source: Yahoo! Entertainment, Variety