Ocean's sequel moves forward as filming slated for nine to ten months

George Clooney said a new entry in the Oceans heist franchise is moving forward, with a budget approved at Warner Bros. and filming expected to begin in about nine to 10 months. Speaking at the New York Film Festival while promoting his new film, Clooney said the primary remaining hurdle is scheduling and that several original cast members are expected to return.

"We just got the budget approved at Warner Bros., and we're trying to set up. It's just scheduling, so it's just setting a start date for us. Probably start in about nine or 10 months, shooting," Clooney said. When asked about reuniting with longtime co-stars, he added, "Yeah, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Don Cheadle and Julia Roberts. I had dinner last night with Julia. They're all still really dear friends."

Clooney and others involved in the franchise have described a finished script positively, and the actor has signaled enthusiasm for bringing the ensemble back together. Production discussions have considered a number of directors: industry reports earlier this year linked action filmmaker David Leitch to the project, and another director was reportedly approached but later declined. Clooney did not confirm a director...