The Unforgettable Cast of Ocean's Eleven: What Could Have Been

The All-Star Ensemble

Ocean's Eleven has one of the most impressive ensemble casts in movie history, led by George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon. The 2001 Steven Soderbergh-directed movie follows a group of con artists attempting to rob three different casinos at once, which all belong to Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia). The group of thieves is led by Danny Ocean (George Clooney), Rusty (Brad Pitt), and Linus (Matt Damon), and those three bankable stars alone make up a nigh-impossible all-star cast. However, along with those three movie stars, the cast includes Garcia, Casey Affleck, Julia Roberts, and so many other big-name performers.

Bruce Willis in a leather jacket in Red

The movie was so successful that it got two sequels, and the trilogy made a total of more than $1.1 billion at the worldwide box office. Ocean's Eleven is one of the last of its kind, as the movie became a huge box office hit based on its star power alone, which rarely happens in the current cinema landscape unless the film is tied to an established IP. Thanks to the franchise's success, Clooney made $50 million for the Ocean's movies, and given all the actors who turned down the film, a lot of them probably regretted that decision.

Johnny Depp as John Dillinger outside in Public Enemies.

The Missed Opportunities

Despite the stellar cast, the lineup of Ocean's Eleven could have looked very different. Some of Hollywood's biggest names were in talks for roles that ultimately went to other actors. Johnny Depp, known for his iconic roles, was considered for a part in the movie, and it's hard to imagine the film without him. Mark Wahlberg, a powerhouse in his own right, was also in discussions for a role that would have added to the star power of the film.

Mark Wahlberg looking in a mirror in Father Stu

Clooney hilariously called out some huge movie stars who turned down roles in Ocean's Eleven, one of which was Johnny Depp. Clooney revealed, 'Some very famous people told us to f*** right off. We went to their homes and sat with them. Mark Wahlberg, Johnny Depp. There were others. They regret it now.' While Clooney's comments about Depp's Ocean's Eleven role don't make it clear who Depp would have played, he would have been cast as Linus. Though Depp seems like way too big of a movie star to play the third main character, this was a pre-Pirates of the Caribbean Depp.

Owen Wilson in the opening credits of The Royal Tenenbaums

Clooney also mentioned Mark Wahlberg when naming and shaming the actors who turned him down, and the Batman & Robin actor confirmed that Wahlberg would have played Linus too. It hardly comes as a surprise that Wahlberg turned down the role, as the actor infamously doesn't take roles unless he's the lead character. Wahlberg initially turned down Martin Scorsese's The Departed and had to be convinced by his agent to take the supporting role. Wahlberg did somewhat go on to have his own Ocean's Eleven, as the Mark Wahlberg-starring The Italian Job is a criminally underrated heist movie.

Margot lies with Richie in The Royal Tenenbaums

The Almost Cast

In addition to Depp and Wahlberg, other notable actors nearly joined the Ocean's Eleven ensemble. Owen Wilson, known for his comedic roles, was considered for a part, and his presence would have added a new dynamic to the group of thieves. Luke Wilson, Owen's brother, was also in talks for a role, which would have been a meta and on-the-nose move considering the nature of the Ocean's trilogy.

Mike Myers as Wayne in Wayne's World making a funny face while sitting in a car singing along to the Queen song Bohemian Rhapsody

Mike Myers, famous for his comedic performances, was also mentioned during the casting process, although the specific role he would have played remains unclear. Ewan McGregor, known for his versatile acting, was officially offered a role but ultimately did not join the cast. Alan Arkin, with a career spanning seven decades, was almost cast in the movie, adding another layer of talent to the ensemble. Ralph Fiennes, known for his compelling villainous roles, was also in talks to join the star-studded lineup, potentially bringing a new level of charisma to the film.

Ewan McGregor sitting at a typewriter Moulin Rouge