Actor Mark Wahlberg has appeared in many fan-favorite movies, however, there was one more billion-dollar franchise that he was offered to join. Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s trilogy was a massive hit. Earning over $1 billion at the global box office, the trilogy achieved significant success and had a big influence on the heist subgenre and modern filmmaking.
George Clooney, who was the star of the trilogy, once talked about some Hollywood stars that rejected a role in the trilogy and regretted it later. While the final cast of the movie was immensely talented, it would’ve been exciting to see these actors in the trilogy.
Mark Wahlberg rejected a role in the Ocean’s trilogy
The cast of director Steven Soderbergh’s 2001 movie, Ocean’s Eleven was one of the main reasons why the film was a hit. It consisted of some big stars like George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, and Don Cheadle.
In April, George Clooney and Steven Soderbergh attended the 2023 TCM Classic Film Festival and explained that they wanted some more stars in the film. Clooney said,
“Steven had just done Erin Brockovich and Traffic, and he was nominated for [an Oscar for] directing both films. So, people really wanted to work with Steven.” Soderbergh then added, “That said, some people did say no to us,” and Clooney continued, “They did. Some very famous people told us to f**k right off. Mark Wahlberg, Johnny Depp. There were others. They regret it now. I regret doing f***ing Batman.”
Mark Wahlberg and Johnny Depp were the two names that Clooney mentioned, adding that they regret the decision now. With the trilogy crossing the $1 billion mark, any actor would regret rejecting a role in the franchise.
Mark Wahlberg starred in a flop in 2001
Wahlberg appeared in two films that were released in 2001, Planet of the Apes and Rock Star. While Planet of the Apes achieved significant success, Rock Star was a major box office flop. A role in Ocean’s Eleven would’ve certainly boosted Wahlberg’s popularity in the industry.
All in all, Wahlberg managed to star in some blockbuster hits later, making him one of the biggest stars in the world. Thanks to his talent, Wahlberg has managed to become a prominent and respected figure in Hollywood.
George Clooney sent Julia Roberts a $20 bill to star in Ocean’s Eleven
Clooney and Soderbergh did everything to assemble the cast of Ocean’s Eleven. Clooney once revealed how he convinced Julia Roberts, who was earning $20 million per film at the time. The actor said,
“I remember Julia – I didn’t know her, I’d never met her and she was making $20 million a film, and we just talked Brad into doing it, and Matt into doing it, and we wanted Julia to do it. So I put a $20 bill on a script and I sent it to her and I said, ‘I hear you get 20 a picture now.'”
Roberts found it hilarious and agreed to play the role of Tess Ocean, Danny Ocean’s ex-wife, in the movie. The Ocean’s trilogy is available for streaming on Netflix.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
