In 2022, the Ocean’s prequel was announced as a part of the movie franchise. Fans were hopeful mainly because Lee Isaac Chung was set to work on this passion project. He was expected to direct Ocean’s prequel, starring Margot Robbie. This was after he expressed his interest in working as a director on the film in July 2025. It is only recently that the filmmaker walked out of the project, citing creative differences, as reported by Deadline on X.
Lee Isaac Chung exits Ocean’s prequel
Furthermore, Chung is said to have entered negotiations in July 2025. The creative differences between him and the production made him the second director to walk away from the project. The first one was Jay Roach.
According to Variety, LuckyChap and Warner Bros. made a joint statement in regard to Chung’s departure. They called the director a “singular filmmaking talent whose vision and partnership have been invaluable to Warner Bros.” They added, saying, “Our experience with him has only deepened our enthusiasm to collaborate on future projects together.”
This was further confirmed by a spokesperson at Warner Bros., who claimed that this was an “amicable split.” Netizens, on the other hand, were quick to tie their own theories regarding the situation. Most netizens are equating this to the current Paramount and Warner Bros merger. It could potentially deter and alter the future and scope of movies and other visual media productions, as some suggest.
The ocean is no different, since the film franchise is one of the massive hits from the Warner Bros studios. So far, there have been four installments within the movie franchise.
The prequel also stirred rumors concerning Ryan Gosling’s casting in the movie. It was suggested and stated by some that Bradley Cooper might replace The Notebook actor, but these are merely rumors.
Lee Isaac Chung is known for his remarkable roster of filmography, including films like Twisters, Abigail Harm, and Munyurangabo. His semi-autobiographical film Minari received Oscar nominations, making it an impressive feature film.
