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 Bag has received consistently positive reviews since its debut, with audiences praising the film’s blend of compelling relationships, thrilling action, and captivating allure. While Blanchett is one member of Black Bag‘s strong cast, it’s the collective power of the performances that truly elevates the 93-minute film. However, Black Bag races 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 apтιтude for any role she’s given. Blanchett’s varied filmography spans 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 the Ocean’s franchise, an ability which is only further demonstrated by her role as Kathryn St. Jean in Black Bag. Soderbergh explained that Blanchett was ideal for Black Bag as 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 (via Yahoo! Entertainment.) This elegance and poise are essential for the characters in the Ocean’s franchise and are present in her Ocean’s 8 performance, where style and sophistication are paramount.

Not to mention, Blanchett’s involvement in Black Bag shows her continued interest and proficiency in the thriller genre, which aligns well with the crime elements of the Ocean’s series. Blanchett’s performance is a key highlight of Black Bag, particularly in her dynamic chemistry with her on-screen husband, Michael Fᴀssbender. The overwhelmingly positive reviews for Black Bag prove 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 the Ocean’s franchise is very desirable and would create many new avenues for the Ocean’s next 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 original Ocean’s series, 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. Although Ocean’s 8 performed 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 with Variety, 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 was a superb addition in the fourth entry to the Ocean’s franchise, and though it was directed by Gary Ross, it again allowed her acting prowess to shine. Blanchett’s portrayal in Black Bag echoes the same suave criminal energy she brought to Ocean’s 8. Despite Soderergh’s absence, a return to the Ocean’s series by Soderbergh would be thrilling, particularly for the potential of a true reunion with Blanchett. Black Bag serves as a powerful reminder of Soderbergh and Blanchett’s talent for crafting refined and enjoyable heist narratives, meaning a dual return to the Ocean’s franchise would create a level of excitement far surpᴀssing 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 8 leaves the door open for Blanchett to reprise her role, and considering the recent announcement of Ocean’s Fourteen, there’s a strong likelihood of her returning. Blanchett’s Lou Miller is a standout character in Ocean’s 8, serving as the protagonist’s trusted second-in-command — similar to Brad Pitt’s character in the previous films. Not including Blanchett in Ocean’s Fourteen would 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 the Ocean’s reboot.

While the prospect of Blanchett’s return is thrilling after Black 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 about Ocean’s 8, Soderbergh’s return to the Ocean’s series was always doubtful, as he likely lacks enthusiasm for further installments. Although Ocean’s Fourteen will proceed without Soderbergh’s direction, I am remaining optimistic that Leitch is perfectly suited to take the franchise further with a fresh take.

Source: Yahoo! Entertainment, Variety