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Throughout the history of Hollywood, we’ve often noticed how heists have typically been considered a domain of suave men in sharp suits. However, director Gary Ross decided like a true feminist that it was high time to shake things up, and feature women in some kickass roles. Enter Jennifer Lawrence’sThe Hunger Games,which not only dominated the box office but also paved the way for Ross’ dream.
Following the unprecedented success of Jennifer Lawrence’s 2012 movieand people’s appreciation towards the hardcore female lead, Gary Ross realized it was the right time to capitalize on the particular theme. That’s when Sandra Bullock’sOcean’s 8emerged from this revolutionary moment, featuring a team of fierce women who not only stole the show but also a few diamonds while they were at it.
Jennifer Lawrence’sThe Hunger GamesBirthed the Idea ofOcean’s 8
WhenGary Rossbegan working on Jennifer Lawrence’s 2012movieThe Hunger Games, he came up with the vision that challenged the status quo of Hollywood. Considering how most action films featured hardcore men with their brilliant plans and charms, the filmmaker expressed his desire for women to step into those roles—kickass, capable, and ready to conquer the screen.
“Ocean’s 8 doesn’t have that”: Real Reason Why Sandra Bullock’s Gender-Bent Heist Escaped Angry Male Trolls Unlike Ghostbusters
However, according to the filmmaker’s interview withEW, Gary Ross opened up about facing discouragement from people, who claimed that female-led action films could never attract viewers of all demographics. However, instead of giving in, Ross pushed through and starred Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen as a fierce female lead navigating challenges and treacherous grounds inThe Hunger Games.
When I did Hunger Games I had so many people warn me that it could never be successful, not because of the violence or anything like that but that no one would ever go to a movie with this kind of female protagonist.
I disagreed. I loved making that movie for that reason. I loved seeing Jennifer in that role and seeing her be empowered in that way and seeing boys and girls respond to it equally.
Eventually, the 2012 movie hit theaters and turned into a groundbreaking success. But that’s not all, forJennifer Lawrence’sThe Hunger Gamesalso ignited a cultural shift and encouraged Gary Ross to make similar films with badass women. Recognizing the perfect moment to capitalize on this aspect, Ross envisioned a female-led heist film similar toSteven Soderbergh’sOcean’sfranchise.
Gary Ross Followed Steven Soderbergh’s Footsteps for Sandra Bullock’s Movie
After Gary Ross shrugged off discouraging remarks and launchedThe Hunger Gamesto unprecedented heights, he realized that audiences were more than ready to embrace women in action. Thus, a spinoff ofSteven Soderbergh’sOcean’sfranchise was born. With a star-studded cast including Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett,Anne Hathaway, and more,Ocean’s 8assembled a crew of badass women ready to pull off the ultimate jewelry heist.
I just thought it was interesting to invade the terrain that always had an off-limits sign. That’s an important thing to do. And it would be great to see all these women do something that had always been the province of men.
Sandra BullockledOcean’s 8not only delivered a witty and stylish narrative but also highlighted how women’s talent and charisma in the genre were previously overlooked. Thereafter, following in Steven Soderbergh’s footsteps for the film, Gary Ross assembled his gorgeous gang of eight, with Bullock in the lead role, orchestrating not just a heist plan but also bringing a cultural shift in the entertainment industry.
It was Soderbergh’s idea. He said we can do eight, nine, and 10 — after that, we’ll be sick of them.
So, in the end, thanks to Jennifer Lawrence’sThe Hunger Gamesand a little bit of daring vision fromGary Ross for Sandra Bullock’s spinoffmovieOcean’s 8, which not only showcased the heist of a $150M diamond necklace but also stole people’s hearts.
Ocean’s 8andThe Hunger Gamesare currently available to watch on Prime Video.
Krittika Mukherjee
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3218
Krittika Mukherjee is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on films, TV shows, and celebrity news with over 3,000 articles published. With an educational background in Journalism, and a keen interest in filmmaking, Krittika blends factual precision with creative flair, when crafting her editorials, or dissecting fan theories.Her coverage often includes news and analyses of critically acclaimed films, celebrity news, and franchises like the Wizarding World, LOTR, DC, and MCU—particularly Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Superheroes, and fan theories. As a Wizarding World aficionado, Krittika has spent countless hours exploring hidden backstories, unadapted book moments, spells, and trivias surrounding J.K. Rowling’s lore.An imaginative writer with a way with words, Krittika has worked as an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a web content writer for a year. She brought her experience and expertise to FandomWire to pursue her desire for sipping coffee while dissecting films and tracking celebrity drama.
