George Clooney is currently doing something most movie stars wouldn't dream of. He’s basically ghosting Hollywood. Not in the "I’m retired" way that actors claim every five years, but in a literal, physical sense. He sold his famous L.A. home of 30 years. He packed up the twins. Now, in early 2026, the man who defined "A-list American" is officially a French citizen living on a 180-hectare wine estate in Provence.
If you’re looking for George Clooney now, you won't find him at the Chateau Marmont. You'll find him in Brignoles, a quiet French town where he reportedly walks into the local McDonald’s and struggles through 400 days' worth of mediocre French lessons.
It’s a weird pivot. Most guys hit their mid-60s and settle into a predictable rhythm of "legacy" roles and golf. Clooney? He’s doubling down on a life that feels more like a 19th-century novelist's than a modern celebrity's.
The Big Move: Why France?
People keep asking if he's "abandoning" America. Honestly, he says no, but the actions tell a different story. He still keeps a "big apartment" in California for work, but the heart of the operation has moved to Domaine du Canadel.
Why? The paparazzi.
In Los Angeles, his kids—Alexander and Ella, now eight—are targets. In France, as he told Esquire recently, people just "don't give a s***" about fame. He wants them taking their dishes to the sink and living on a farm where the most exciting thing that happens is Dad trying to fix the pool cover with a pair of Amal’s stockings (which he actually claimed to do).
The Citizenship Controversy
The news that George and Amal became French citizens in late 2025 caused a bit of a stir. Some French officials, like Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, pointed out a massive double standard. To get naturalized under the new rules, you’re supposed to be fluent in French.
George admitted to RTL that he’s still "bad" at it.
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Even Donald Trump weighed in, mocking the couple’s move as a political retreat. But Clooney seems unbothered. He’s too busy being a "warrior for justice" alongside Amal, even if the locals in Brignoles mostly just know him as the nice guy who donated 20,000 euros to help the town after some bad flooding.
Is He Actually Quitting Movies?
There’s a rumor floating around—fueled by tabloids but backed by his schedule—that George promised Amal he’d quit the "grind."
He didn't.
His 2026 calendar is actually packed. If you thought he was going to spend the rest of his life picking lavender, you haven't been paying attention to the trades.
The Ocean’s 14 Situation
The biggest news for George Clooney now is the return of Danny Ocean. It’s officially a go. He confirmed that Warner Bros. approved the budget and production is slated to start around October 2026.
He’s bringing the whole gang back:
- Brad Pitt (obviously)
- Matt Damon
- Julia Roberts
- Don Cheadle
The plot sounds surprisingly grounded. Instead of trying to look "young and spry," they’re leaning into the Going In Style vibe. It's a heist movie about guys who have "lost a step" but are still smarter than the kids trying to catch them.
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What Happened to Wolfs 2?
You might remember the Apple TV+ movie Wolfs with Brad Pitt. It was supposed to be a massive franchise. Well, despite being a huge streaming hit, the sequel got scrapped in late 2024/early 2025.
Apple’s theatrical strategy shifted, and the "Wolfs 2" plans died on the vine. This probably explains why George is pivoting back to the Ocean's franchise. It’s a guaranteed win in an era where original star-driven movies are struggling at the box office.
Life with Amal: The "No-Fight" Rule
In a recent sit-down with the Los Angeles Times, Clooney doubled down on a claim that most married people find impossible: He and Amal have never had a real fight in over 11 years of marriage.
"I’m much less in the mood to win arguments," he said.
He puts it down to being 52 when he got married. When you're 25, you're aggressive. You want to be right. At 64, George seems to realize that being right is way less important than having a peaceful dinner in Provence.
The Business Side: Beyond the Screen
George isn't just an actor; he's a speaker and a businessman. In April 2026, he’s scheduled to headline the British Business Awards in Edinburgh. He’s still heavily involved with the Clooney Foundation for Justice, which is currently doing a lot of heavy lifting in Ukraine and monitoring trials in over 40 countries.
It’s a strange balance. One day he’s at the Golden Globes (he was up for a Best Actor nod for Jay Kelly earlier this year), and the next he’s testifying about forensic accountants tracking stolen money in Sudan through his organization, The Sentry.
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Actionable Insights: What We Can Learn from Clooney’s "Second Act"
If you look at where George Clooney is now, there's actually some pretty practical life advice buried under the Hollywood glam.
1. Know When to Change the Scenery
Clooney realized that his environment (L.A. culture) wasn't serving his goals for his family. He didn't just complain; he moved. If your current "location"—whether it's a job or a city—is draining you, a radical shift might be the only fix.
2. Lean Into Your Age
Instead of getting more Botox to play a 40-year-old, he’s making a movie about being "too old to do what we used to do." There is immense power in acknowledging your limitations and using them as a creative asset.
3. Soften the Ego
His "no-fight" rule works because he stopped trying to "win" every conversation. In business or relationships, letting go of the need to be the smartest person in the room usually leads to better outcomes.
4. Diversify Your Purpose
He has his "fun" money (Ocean's 14), his "legacy" work (directing The Boys in the Boat), and his "soul" work (The Clooney Foundation). Balancing these keeps him from burning out on any single one.
George Clooney is currently proving that you don't have to fade away just because you're getting older. You just have to get a lot more intentional about where you spend your time—and maybe buy a farm in France.
Next Steps for You:
Check out the Clooney Foundation for Justice website to see their current TrialWatch reports if you're interested in the humanitarian side of his work. Or, if you’re just here for the movies, keep an eye out for the Jay Kelly release, which is the best look at his "vulnerable" acting style in years.