Clooney on Louvre Heist: “Proud” of the Real Thieves?

George Clooney, the charismatic star synonymous with elaborate cinematic heists, recently shared his humorous take on the real-life Louvre jewel robbery, playfully suggesting it might be perfect fodder for a potential “Ocean’s 14” film. His remarks highlight a fascinating intersection between fictional crime capers and actual events, sparking imagination among fans of the popular franchise.

Attending the AFI Fest premiere of his latest film, Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly,” Clooney couldn’t help but draw parallels between the recent high-profile theft at the Louvre Museum in Paris and the cunning escapades depicted in his “Ocean’s” movies. He openly expressed a tongue-in-cheek admiration for the real-life perpetrators, stating, “If you’re a professional thief like I am, I was very proud of those guys.”

The Louvre Heist: A Real-Life Inspiration

The incident that caught Clooney’s attention involved four suspects who reportedly broke into the iconic Louvre Museum on a Sunday morning, making off with eight pieces valued at over $100 million. What particularly astonished Clooney was the brazen nature of the crime, executed “in the middle of broad daylight.”

Despite his playful remarks, Clooney acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, describing the heist as “terrible” and expressing curiosity about whether the culprits would ultimately be apprehended, noting, “They seem to have done a pretty good job at getting away with it.”

“Ocean’s 14” on the Horizon?

Clooney’s comments arrive amidst ongoing discussions about the development of “Ocean’s 14.” In early October, he informed E! News that the film is expected to commence shooting next year.

Fans of the franchise will be pleased to learn that original cast members, including Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Don Cheadle, are anticipated to reprise their roles. Furthermore, David Leitch, known for his work on action-packed films like “The Fall Guy” and “Bullet Train,” was reported at the beginning of the year to be at the helm as director for the upcoming crime caper sequel. Clooney confirmed at AFI Fest that “the script is done and we’re in great shape,” with only scheduling logistics left to finalize.

Clooney’s Latest Project: “Jay Kelly”

Beyond the excitement surrounding “Ocean’s 14,” George Clooney was at AFI Fest to promote “Jay Kelly,” a film directed by Noah Baumbach. In this movie, Clooney portrays Jay Kelly, an aging movie star reflecting on his life choices and his ambition for fame as he travels to Europe to receive a lifetime achievement tribute at a film festival. The cast also includes notable actors such as Adam Sandler, who plays Kelly’s manager, and Laura Dern as his publicist. “Jay Kelly” is scheduled for release in select theaters on November 14 and will be available on Netflix starting December 5.

A Reflection on a Distinguished Career

During his appearance, Clooney also shared insights into his illustrious career, reminiscing about his early days in Hollywood before achieving global recognition with his role on “ER.” He recounted how he “kept banging around,” participating in numerous television pilots, some of which were successful like “Roseanne,” though he personally didn’t find success on them. “Then ‘ER’ hit and everything changed,” he explained, crediting good writing and a favorable time slot as key factors. Clooney also affirmed his enduring work ethic, noting that “slowing down, you die.”

Conclusion

George Clooney’s lighthearted suggestion to integrate the Louvre heist into “Ocean’s 14” not only demonstrates his characteristic wit but also fuels anticipation for the next installment of the beloved heist series. As the script is finalized and production gears up for next year, the possibility of seeing Danny Ocean and his crew tackle a challenge inspired by real-world events adds an intriguing layer to the franchise’s future. Meanwhile, audiences can look forward to his latest dramatic turn in “Jay Kelly,” offering a different facet of the acclaimed actor’s diverse career.