"Ocean’s 14" Hit with Disappointing Blow

Edward Berger, the director of widely lauded films such as "Conclave" and the version of "All Quiet on the Western Front", was in talks to helm "Ocean's 14", the next entry in the crime comedy franchise stewarded by Steven Soderbergh. 

The project would have marked the return of the original characters from the 2001 remake starring Brad Pitt and George Clooney, but Berger passed on the project. 

Since then, other directors have been attached, and recently, Berger opened up about his reason for declining the offer: He just believe he could do a better job than Soderbergh.

Berger is currently promoting his next film, the Netflix drama "Ballad of a Small Player, starring Colin Farrell and Tilda Swinton". 

The director spoke to Deadline about the movie, which is picking up buzz for the upcoming awards season. 

It also puts Berger back in Oscar contention following his two previous productions, which were both well-received on the awards circuit.

When asked about his next projects, The Riders is mentioned as "the one sure" thing he'll start developing. 

The film will see him working with Brad Pitt, although he says they've met before, specifically when he was in talks to direct "Ocean's 14". "We were talking at that time, Brad and I, and yes, I was seduced by the thought of making something like that. I'm from a small place in Germany. I've never had those opportunities. And suddenly Brad Pitt and George Clooney and Julia Roberts and Matt Damon, I would be able to make a movie with them," he noted.

"Ballad of A Small Player was a hard movie to make, and I felt like, 'Wouldn't it be great to make a studio picture?' The studio needs that movie, the stars want the movie, as does the audience." Berger added. "Everyone needs the movie. It's a franchise. I can pay my crew. I can have fun with them. It's a temptation. But deep down inside I knew it's not my movie, it's Steven Soderbergh's movie. He invented that, beautifully. He made them, and I'm just following in his footsteps. What is new for me?'"

"I love those movies, but in essence, I don't know what to add to what the great Steven Soderbergh did,".

Will 'Ocean’s 14' Ever See the Light of Day?

News on the Ocean's 14 front has been quiet of late. 

While the installment remains unconfirmed, George Clooney teased a reunion with a crew that was past its prime for pulling off elaborate heists: "It's like we're all too old to do the jobs we used to be able to do." 

Although Berger passed, another action filmmaker was being eyed as a potential director. 

David Leitch, of John Wick and Deadpool 2 fame, was attached to the project for a time, but as of late, he's staying busy with other franchises.