Bradley Cooper is in early talks with Warner Bros. to write and direct an Ocean’s Eleven prequel. The prequel is part of the long-gestating franchise, with the latest development in the film’s production seeing the studio seeking a director. Although the talks are still in the early stages, the studio is hoping to secure a director for the film in the near future, with the aim of starting production before the end of the year.
A New Director Enters the Casino Franchise
Cooper’s involvement comes after Lee Isaac Chung stepped away from the project due to reported creative differences. Chung, known for Minari and Twisters, had previously taken over directing duties from Jay Roach, making the project one that has already gone through multiple creative shifts behind the scenes.
The prequel, if the deal with Warner Bros. goes through, will be the fourth film Cooper directs. His previous directorial credits include A Star is Born, a biographical drama about the life of Leonard Bernstein; Maestro; and the upcoming 2025 comedy Is This Thing On?
The upcoming prequel already has one big star on board. Margot Robbie is confirmed to star in the movie, and she is also one of the producers through her company, LuckyChap Entertainment. Cooper is also said to be in talks to star in the movie alongside Margot Robbie, though sources close to the film have emphasized that no deal is yet in place.
The script for the movie was originally penned by Carrie Solomon. If Cooper does end up starring in and directing the movie, it remains to be seen whether he will rewrite the script entirely or merely go over the current draft before filming.
The movie is said to be set in 1960s Europe and is believed to give the franchise an opportunity to explore an interesting period-piece setting, reminiscent of the early days of the Ocean franchise’s roots. The plot of the movie is still unknown, though rumors have circulated that it could be an origin story for the Ocean family.
Some rumors even suggest that Margot Robbie and Cooper could be playing the parents of Danny Ocean, thus bridging the 1960 movie and the 2001 movie starring George Clooney and directed by Steven Soderbergh.
