The casting news continues to pour in for the Gary Ross-directed Ocean’s Eight, with Richard Armitage being the latest addition to the fold.
Deadline has the scoop, confirming that Armitage, who is perhaps best known for his roles across Alice Through the Looking Glass and Peter Jackson’s Hobbit franchise, will play a mystery character in next year’s female-led crime caper. How exactly the actor’s newcomer fits into proceedings is up for question, though given the stacked ensemble cast, we’re inclined to believe the Brit will hold a small supporting role opposite Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett and their merry band of crooks.
Those two leading ladies will anchor Ocean’s Eight as a pair of master criminals, presiding over an ensemble that includes Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Rihanna and Helena Bonham Carter. Their mission? Staging a heist that involves stealing an invaluable necklace on display at New York’s Met Ball, and getting one-up on Damian Lewis’ villain in the process. The Late Late Show host James Corden, rapper Awkwafina and, potentially, Matt Damon are also on board.
After getting the blessing from Ocean’s Eleven director Steven Soderbergh, who serves as producer on next year’s offshoot, Gary Ross hashed out the movie’s screenplay with Olivia Milch and has stressed in the past that Ocean’s Eight represents a “continuation” of the original trilogy, not a reboot. That technically leaves the door open for other actors (read: George Clooney and Brad Pitt) to join Matt Damon for a cameo appearance, but there’s currently no update on that front just yet.
Ocean’s Eight is earmarked for June 8, 2018.