When Johnny Depp & Mark Wahlberg Rejected Ocean’s Eleven: A Hollywood “What If”
Johnny Depp and Mark Wahlberg had the opportunity to join one of Hollywood’s most iconic heist crews in Ocean’s Eleven, but they famously turned it down. The decision would go down in Hollywood history as one of the biggest “what if” moments, especially since the movie went on to gross over $450 million globally and launched a successful franchise.
The Hollywood Rejection
In a candid conversation at the 2023 TCM Classic Film Festival, George Clooney, the film’s lead, revealed that both Johnny Depp and Mark Wahlberg were among the actors who turned down the chance to be part of the Ocean’s Eleven crew. He recalled, “Some very famous people told us to f**k right off,” referring to Depp and Wahlberg’s rejection, alongside others.
It’s hard to imagine now, but at the time, the heist movie, which combined wit, style, and an all-star cast, wasn’t a guaranteed hit. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, who had just won Oscars for Erin Brockovich and Traffic, Ocean’s Eleven was a risky but ambitious project that mixed indie flair with mainstream appeal.
Why Did They Say No?
Though the exact reasons for Depp and Wahlberg’s rejections remain unclear, one can speculate. Depp was likely busy preparing for his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean. Wahlberg, on the other hand, was probably focused on his rising action film career. Still, it’s hard to ignore the fact that rejecting Ocean’s Eleven, with its stellar ensemble cast—George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Julia Roberts—seems like a missed opportunity.
The Movie’s Success
Despite the initial rejections, Ocean’s Eleven went on to become a massive hit, grossing over $450 million worldwide. The film spawned two successful sequels, Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen, as well as a spin-off, Ocean’s Eight. Its slick production, witty dialogue, and unforgettable chemistry between the stars made it a cinematic classic.
Clooney, while not holding any grudges, couldn’t resist a lighthearted jab at Depp and Wahlberg, suggesting they might regret their decisions now that the movie has become part of Hollywood’s cultural legacy.
The Legacy of Ocean’s Eleven
The Ocean’s Eleven franchise has continued to impact the film industry. It proved that a heist movie could combine intellect with entertainment, and the ensemble cast set a new standard for collaboration in Hollywood. As for Johnny Depp and Mark Wahlberg? They watched as Ocean’s Eleven sailed into history without them.
While Depp and Wahlberg’s careers have certainly flourished, the Ocean’s Eleven series continues to be one of the most successful and beloved in modern cinema. And for Clooney and his team, it was undoubtedly the gamble that paid off in spades.
