Female-led Ocean's Eight casts Damien Lewis as very-male villain

The film's ensemble will be led by Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett and Anne Hathaway

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Ocean's Eight - the all-female spin-off to Ocean's Eleven - has lined up British actor Damien Lewis to star as the lead villain.

The Homeland actor will be the first male actor announced with the film's ensemble including Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett and Anne Hathaway.

Rounding out the leads are singer Rihanna, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina and Helena Bonham Carter.

Directed by Gary Ross (The Hunger Games), the film's plot sees Bullock's character lead a group of thieves and cons in attempting to pull off a major heist.

Lewis - who has been spotted on the film's set - will play the group's target, an ex of Bullock's character.

Ocean's Eleven director Steven Soderbergh is on producing duties while one of the film's original stars Matt Damon will show up in a cameo role.

Following a three-year stint on Showtime series Homeland, Lewis went on to star in Billions alongside Paul Giamatti.