If you had been upset since Ocean’s 13 thinking you’d never again get to see Matt Damon and George Clooney pull off another heist together, you’re in luck, as The Film Stage reports that Damon is close to signing on to Clooney’s next directorial feature, The Monuments Men.
The cast was already incredible, with Daniel Craig, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett, Jean Dujardin, John Goodman, Hugh Bonneville, and Bob Balaban all already on board. Throw in Damon and we’ve got one of the most star-studded casts in a very long time.
Clooney has shown excellent growth as a director, with The Ides Of March being surprisingly sharp and well-made. That was an excellent film coming from any director, let alone an actor-director who also starred in the film. Obviously Hollywood took notice as well, considering all the big names that are willing to join Clooney’s next project.
Clooney and Damon have impeccable chemistry on screen, so any chance to see them together is extremely welcome. Not only were they the ultimate bantering burglars in the Ocean’s trilogy, but they also were great together in Syriana. Damon still isn’t officially signed on for the film, but it appears the deal will be done soon.
For those who still haven’t heard, the story involves a group of art historians and museum curators who unite to recover important works of art stole by Nazis. The film will be based on real events, though the story has been mostly overlooked in history, and was scripted by Clooney and his writing partner Grant Heslov.
Damon’s role is still unknown, but we do know that Clooney stars as George Stout, a U.S. Army officer and leading art conservationist who was able to recapture tens of thousands of pieces from the Nazis.
Shooting is set to begin in January.
Now if they can only find a way to add Brad Pitt…
