Warner Bros.’ upcoming Ocean’s 11 prequel is shaping up to be a major Hollywood project, with Bradley Cooper now emerging as the frontrunner to both direct and star opposite Margot Robbie in the film.
The studio has reportedly been in talks with Cooper for the acting role for some time, but recent developments suggest he may also step in as the movie’s writer and director, taking over after director Lee Isaac Chung exited the project earlier.
If finalized, the film would mark Cooper’s fourth feature as a director, following A Star Is Born, Maestro, and last year’s Is This Thing On?.
Margot Robbie and Bradley Cooper Could Lead the Prequel
The upcoming film is expected to center on a story set before the events of the 2001 heist hit Ocean’s Eleven. While official character details have not been revealed yet, industry reports suggest Bradley Cooper could appear on screen alongside Margot Robbie, making them the central duo of the story.
The project is also being produced by Robbie’s production company LuckyChap Entertainment, which has been actively developing several films with Warner Bros. after the massive success of Barbie.
A Stylish Story Set in 1960s Europe
The prequel’s story reportedly takes place in 1960s Europe, offering a stylish backdrop that fits the glamorous tone often associated with the Ocean’s franchise.
The screenplay was written by Carrie Solomon, though Cooper’s potential involvement as writer may mean further development of the script before filming begins.
Warner Bros. hopes to begin production later this year, keeping the project on track despite the recent director changes.
A Legendary Franchise With Multiple Chapters
The Ocean’s saga originally began with the 1960 film Ocean’s 11 starring the Rat Pack — Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford.
Decades later, director Steven Soderbergh reinvented the concept with the 2001 film Ocean’s Eleven, starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, and Don Cheadle. The movie’s success led to two sequels: Ocean’s Twelve (2004) and Ocean’s Thirteen (2007).
The universe later expanded with the 2018 spinoff Ocean’s Eight, featuring Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, and Rihanna.
More ‘Ocean’s’ Stories in Development
Interestingly, the prequel isn’t the only project connected to the franchise. Actor George Clooney previously revealed that another Ocean’s film focusing on the original crew as aging criminals planning another heist is also being explored.
That project would potentially bring back stars like Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, and Don Cheadle.
Final Words
With Bradley Cooper potentially directing, writing, and starring alongside Margot Robbie, the Ocean’s 11 prequel is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing projects in development at Warner Bros. The combination of Cooper’s filmmaking experience and Robbie’s production power could give the film a fresh identity while still honoring the stylish legacy of the beloved heist franchise.
If production moves ahead later this year, the new chapter could introduce audiences to an entirely new generation of clever criminals in the world of Ocean’s.
