After years of development, the upcoming Ocean’s Eleven prequel is finally gaining major momentum. Bradley Cooper is officially in negotiations to star alongside the previously announced Margot Robbie in the new heist film for Warner Bros. This pairing brings two of Hollywood’s biggest stars together for a project that will expand the popular franchise.
The film will be directed by Lee Isaac Chung, the filmmaker behind the recent hit Twisters. The script is written by Carrie Solomon, and the story is set in 1960s Europe, offering a fresh backdrop for the franchise’s signature style. Robbie’s production company, LuckyChap, is producing the movie, which is scheduled to start shooting next year.
The New Heist Crew
While the specific plot details are being kept secret, the film is confirmed to be a prequel to Steven Soderbergh’s 2001 blockbuster Ocean’s Eleven. The project has been in the works since it was first announced in 2022, but it has recently seen significant developments.
Originally, Ryan Gosling was in talks to play the lead opposite Robbie. However, reports now confirm that Bradley Cooper has taken over the role. Sources close to the project noted that Cooper and Robbie have been friends for years and have always wanted to work together, making this the perfect opportunity.
After a meeting with director Lee Isaac Chung, Cooper was on board. The involvement of such high-profile talent indicates the studio is moving forward aggressively with production.
A Growing Ocean’s Universe
This prequel is just one part of a major expansion for the Ocean’s franchise. In a exciting parallel development, George Clooney recently confirmed that another sequel, Ocean’s Fourteen, is also in active development. That film will see Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Julia Roberts return to their iconic roles, with shooting expected to begin within the next year.
The Ocean’s franchise is one of Warner Bros.’ most valuable assets, having grossed over $1.4 billion at the global box office across its previous films. These include the original Clooney-Pitt trilogy (Ocean’s Eleven, Twelve, and Thirteen) and the 2018 spin-off Ocean’s 8, which featured an all-female crew led by Sandra Bullock.
The new prequel will explore the franchise’s roots, set decades before Danny Ocean assembled his team to rob Las Vegas casinos. The European setting of the 1960s promises a different kind of glamour and a new style of caper.
Behind the Scenes
Director Lee Isaac Chung, who received critical acclaim for his film Minari before achieving commercial success with Twisters, brings a respected vision to the project. He took over directing duties from Jay Roach, who was initially attached to helm the prequel.
The screenplay by Carrie Solomon is based on the characters originally created by George Clayton Johnson and Jack Golden Russell. While the title for the new film has not been announced, it will have to find a new number or name to distinguish itself in the growing lineup of Ocean’s films.
For Cooper, this project adds to his busy schedule. His next directorial effort, the dramatic comedy Is This Thing On?, is set to premiere at the New York Film Festival. He also has the Bullitt movie in development at Warner Bros., which Steven Spielberg is expected to direct.
Robbie, who will next be seen in the adaptation of Wuthering Heights, continues to build a diverse slate of projects through her LuckyChap production company, which is also producing this Ocean’s prequel.
The combination of Robbie’s star power, Cooper’s acting prowess, and Chung’s directing talent has generated significant excitement, positioning the film as a potential future blockbuster. With a planned start of filming in 2026, fans can expect more casting news and production details to emerge in the coming months.
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