The Italian Job: Paul Feig in Talks to Direct Sequel
The first adaptation of the story was published in 1969
A new blockbuster is on the horizon! According to The Hollywood Reporter, "The Housemaid" director Paul Feig is in talks to direct a sequel to "The Italian Job". However, the project is still in the early stages of development.
The 2003 film starred Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Jason Statham, and Edward Norton in the lead roles. The plot centers on Charlie Croker, a seasoned thief who embarks on a quest for revenge. Together with his team, he undertakes a daring heist with a massive hoard of gold as the prize. The spectacular car chases featuring the iconic Mini Coopers were a particular highlight back then. Although the film performed quite well at the box office, a sequel never materialized – until now!
An earlier adaptation of the story was released as far back as 1969, directed by Peter Collinson. Back then, Michael Caine took on the role of Charlie Croker. It's still unclear when the sequel will hit theaters. In any case, there are still a number of casting decisions to be made.
These movies are perfect for fans of The Italian Job
Anyone who likes "The Italian Job" usually can't get enough of cleverly planned heists, ingenious escape plans, and a team where each member brings their own unique skills to the table. The franchise centered on the two films from 1969 and 2003 is among the best-known examples of heist cinema. But there are numerous other films that offer a similar mix of action, humor, and spectacular heists.
Ocean's Eleven
One of the most obvious recommendations is "Ocean's Eleven". Steven Soderbergh's heist film also features a large team of diverse specialists who work together to plan a seemingly impossible heist. George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and the rest of the cast bring plenty of charm to the screen, while the heist itself grows increasingly complicated. If what you loved most about "The Italian Job" was the team's chemistry, you should definitely check this one out.
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
If you tuned in to "The Italian Job" mainly for the Mini Coopers and the spectacular driving stunts, you'll find a suitable alternative in "Tokyo Drift". The third installment of the "Fast & Furious" series focuses on illegal street races and spectacular drifts. Although the story takes place in a completely different world, the importance of the cars and the elaborate driving sequences are definitely reminiscent of the car chases in "The Italian Job".
Baby Driver
In "Baby Driver", Edgar Wright combines a classic gangster film with an extraordinary soundtrack and some of the best car chases in modern action cinema. Ansel Elgort plays a young getaway driver who works for various gangsters. The precisely choreographed car chases, in particular, make the film a special experience. Anyone who loves the combination of heists and cars in "The Italian Job" is sure to enjoy this one as well.
Logan Lucky
"Logan Lucky" takes a slightly more humorous turn. Steven Soderbergh tells the story of two brothers who plan an unusual heist during a NASCAR race. The concept is reminiscent of the classic heist formula, but takes itself much less seriously. With Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, and Daniel Craig, it also boasts a strong ensemble cast.
Heat
Things get much more serious in Michael Mann's "Heat". Al Pacino and Robert De Niro engage in a cat-and-mouse game as a police officer and a professional gangster. While the film is less lighthearted than "The Italian Job", it impressively demonstrates just how meticulously professional criminals prepare their heists. Above all, the legendary shootout following a bank robbery is action cinema at its finest.
Ronin
"Ronin" is also likely to appeal to fans of "The Italian Job". Robert De Niro and Jean Reno are part of a team of mercenaries tasked with retrieving a mysterious briefcase. What follows is betrayal, shifting alliances, and some spectacular car chases through European cities. The elaborately staged driving sequences, in particular, make "Ronin" a hidden gem for anyone who, when watching "The Italian Job", prefers to focus on the cars rather than the actual loot.
So if you're into clever heists, charismatic teams, and high-speed escapes, you'll have plenty of options to choose from after "The Italian Job". The spectrum ranges from the humorous "Ocean's" series to the much grittier "Heat" – and it rarely gets boring.