With spin offs being all the rage in Hollywood right now, news that Rihanna has been included in the production of the new film Ocean's Ocho might still manage to raise some eyebrows.
Rolling Stone reports that the fresh installment from the Ocean's Eleven franchise will be dominated by female characters as the pop star joins the likes of Anne Hathaway, Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Mindy Kaling, rapper/actress Awkwafina and Helena Bonham Carter.
Risk of Damaging Ocean's Legacy
Ocean's Eleven was one of the few reboots that was a commercial and critical success when the original 1960 production of the rat pack heist comedy came back to life in 2001. The all-star cast featured George Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Don Cheadle, Andy Garcia and a host of other big names. The ensemble gave a modern take on the classic which continued for two more sequels.
Although Ocean's Twelve and Ocean's Thirteen did not reach the critical heights of the initial reboot, Warner Brothers is still taking a risk. The franchise's reputation and standing could take a hit if they miss the tone and spirit of the franchise. Then again, when has that stopped a production from going ahead anyway?
Following The Ghostbusters Remake Theory
Perhaps history might be kinder to 2016's Ghostbusters reboot. The film was hated immediately and did not fare well with critics. Then again, going with an all-female cast was always going to split fans down the middle. But surely the industry is well within their rights to break the stereotype of male dominated pictures even if only for a brief moment. All eyes will be fixed on Ocean's Ocho to see if women can provide something unique that didn't take place previously.
As for Rihanna, she does not have a lot of experience in the acting field. Besides her musical career, she has a lot on her plate. The 28-year old's credits to date includes a cameo on This Is The End, a part in the flop Battleship, Annie and Bates Motel among a handful of others. Surrounded by an entourage of acclaimed actresses for the film, the girl from Barbados will be in good company as she embarks on a big project that is due to begin production in October.
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