Movies

Rupert Everett’s Blistering Take on the Ocean’s Franchise

Rupert Everett’s Blistering Take on the Ocean’s Franchise
Image credit: Legion-Media

Rupert Everett sparked controversy by slamming the Ocean’s movies as a "cancer to world culture," criticizing Hollywood’s priorities and the career choices of some of its biggest stars. Discover what led to his harsh words and who else he called out.

Rupert Everett, known for his sharp wit and unfiltered opinions, has never shied away from stirring the pot in Hollywood. Famous for his biting remarks and a career filled with both acclaimed and eyebrow-raising roles, Everett has often found himself at the center of controversy. His candid nature has led him to make some memorable comments over the years, including a backhanded compliment to Madonna, whom he once described as a “whiny old barmaid.” But perhaps none of his critiques have been as pointed as his take on a certain blockbuster film series.

Everett’s Scathing Critique of Hollywood

In a particularly heated interview, Everett didn’t hold back when discussing the state of the film industry. He argued that Hollywood has cheapened the art of acting, and he singled out George Clooney as a prime example.

“Clooney thinks that, provided he does films which are politically committed, he’s allowed to do Ocean’s Eleven, Twelve and Thirteen,”

Everett said.

“But the Oceans movies are a cancer to world culture. They’re destroying us.”

While his words may sound extreme today, especially in an era flooded with sequels and formulaic content, Everett was adamant that Clooney’s involvement in the stylish heist series was just another sign that Hollywood—and audiences—were more interested in celebrity gossip than real-world issues.

Calling Out Hollywood Legends

Everett’s criticism didn’t stop with Clooney. He went on to question why legendary actors like Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro, and Al Pacino would choose to appear in what he saw as less meaningful, more commercial projects later in their careers. He accused Keaton of “debasing” herself with roles in films like Because I Said So, and called Pacino a “mad old freak now.” Everett seemed genuinely baffled that such respected figures would, in his view, become caricatures of themselves for the sake of a paycheck.

It’s worth noting that Everett himself has appeared in a wide range of films, from political dramas to family comedies. Some might see his comments as hypocritical, especially considering his own recent exit from a popular TV series. Still, he appeared to recognize his own place in the industry’s shifting landscape, often using “we” when talking about those responsible for the decline of culture.

Reflecting on the State of Cinema

Despite the harshness of his words, Everett’s perspective isn’t entirely without merit. Many of the industry’s most celebrated actors have, over time, taken on roles that might have seemed unthinkable earlier in their careers. Everett, too, has evolved from a rebellious figure to someone who openly critiques the very system he’s a part of. His willingness to call out both himself and his peers adds a layer of self-awareness to his otherwise scathing commentary.

In a world where the line between art and entertainment continues to blur, Everett’s unapologetic opinions serve as a reminder that even the most iconic stars aren’t immune to criticism—or to the changing tides of Hollywood.