The big scene in Ocean’s Eleven that had to be changed after the 9/11 attacks
As the film turns fifteen this week, we look back at the behind-the-scenes secrets you might have missed
THE fallout from the attack on the World Trade Center in New York City in September 11 meant a lot of movies and TV shows had to adjust scenes — including Ocean’s Eleven.
In the hit remake of the classic film — released exactly 15 years ago — we see Terry and Tess (Andy Garcia and Julia Roberts) watching over the demolition of a Vegas hotel, while Danny and Linus (George Clooney and Matt Damon) look on.
Originally, this scene had the New York, New York Hotel and Casino being brought down by explosives, but in the wake of the attacks, producers decided it was completely inappropriate — and looked too much like the devastating collapse of the World Trade Center.
It meant a brief scramble, with the CG backdrop of the demolished buildings being changed just before its release, with a new fake hotel called ‘The Xanadu’.
But if you really wanted to see the original scene — the HBO ‘behind-the-scenes’ featurette of Ocean’s Eleven was made well before the movie was finished, and actually features the deleted footage.
Here are some other facts you probably didn’t know about Ocean’s Eleven:
1. The stars took major pay cuts
There were so many big-name actors in the movie that all of them had to accept less pay than they usually took home for their work.
In particular, Julia Roberts — who was in high demand off the back of her Academy Award-winning film, Erin Brockovich — had to drop her rate significantly when she joined the cast because Hollywood heavyweights George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon had all already signed on.
Apparently none of them minded too much because they were genuinely happy to be part of the all-star ensemble.
2. Luke and Owen Wilson nearly starred in it
The Wilson brothers were lined up to play bickering brothers Virgil and Turk, but dropped out at the last minute to do The Royal Tenenbaums instead. The roles eventually went to Scott Caan and Casey Affleck.
3. The script was sent to Julia Roberts with a $20 note attached
George Clooney sent over the Ocean’s Eleven script to Julia Roberts with a $20 note clipped on to it.
He added a little note saying: “I hear you’re getting 20 a picture now” — obviously, he was being a wise guy and referencing her becoming the highest paid actor at $US20 million per movie.
4. Brad Pitt’s wig was also worn by Austin Powers
The wig worn by Rusty (Brad Pitt) when he’s in disguise as a doctor was actually the same one used 4 years prior by Mike Myers during rehearsal for Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.
5. Julia Roberts was constantly pranked by the rest of the cast
Poor Julia Roberts. She was the target of a lot of pranks during filming — most of which were led by George Clooney. They’d do things like leave a 5AM wake-up call for her ... when she didn’t need to be on set until noon.
6. There’s a reason Brad Pitt’s character Rusty was always eating
In nearly every one of his scenes, Rusty is eating. Pitt later revealed why, explaining that the whole gang would rarely have time to eat because they were too busy, so he’d be eating fast food on the run.
He also thought it was a good character trait for Rusty — it showed how unflappable he was, even in high stress situations.
7. Don Cheadle is uncredited
You may have wondered why despite being one of the leading cast members, Don Cheadle isn’t listed in the credits. Turns out, it all boiled down a disagreement.
Cheadle wanted above the title billing alongside George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon, but was refused. As a result, he demanded his name stay out of the credits completely.
However, he got his way in the sequels. In Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen, Cheadle finally received above the title billing.
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