Mindy Kaling in Talks to Be in Ocean’s Eight

Mindy Kaling Photo by Emily Shur / NBC

Remember that all-female remake of Ocean’s Eleven that was announced a while back? It sounds like they’re drawing some casting inspiration from the George Clooney version, itself a remake: There will, of course, be a Massachusetts tie. Deadline reports that a deal is “close” with Mindy Kaling to appear in the movie, thereby fulfilling the Mass. quotient supplied by Matt Damon and Casey Affleck in the previous trilogy. Kaling will (probably) star alongside Cate Blanchett and Sandra Bullock, who are both confirmed. Hunger Games director Gary Ross is set to direct, with Ocean’s Eleven director Steven Soderbergh set to executive produce.

Other actresses rumored to be close to signing on include Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter, and Awkwafina (or Nora Lum, if she’s not using her usual moniker). If you’re doing the math at home, that leaves one more spot yet to be filled, so feel free to do some dream casting. Might we suggest a certain popular Massachusetts comedy star, lately seen appearing in sold out shows at the Sinclair? We can easily imagine Jenny Slate heisting it up with the other ladies. Although if you check the movie’s IMDb page, it lists Elizabeth Banks, who we will also accept for her Massachusetts ties.

In the meantime, let’s all imagine what specialty Kaling will bring to the table in the movie. Demolitions? Master of disguise? Card sharp?