Ocean’s Eleven Prequel Faces Another Director Change
Margot Robbie’s upcoming Ocean’s Eleven prequel has lost its director, Lee Isaac Chung, due to creative differences with Warner Bros., marking the second directorial departure for the project. The news comes as Warner Bros. Prepares for its acquisition by Paramount.
Director Exits Amid Creative Differences
Lee Isaac Chung, known for his work on Minari and Twisters, has amicably departed the project, according to a Warner Bros. Spokesperson via Deadline. The split is attributed to “creative differences.”
Both Warner Bros. And LuckyChap, Margot Robbie’s production company, released a joint statement praising Chung’s talent and expressing their hope for future collaborations: “Lee Isaac is a singular filmmaking talent whose vision and partnership have been invaluable to Warner Bros. And LuckyChap throughout this journey. Our experience with him has only deepened our enthusiasm to collaborate on future projects together.” The Hollywood Reporter reported.
Previous Director Too Departed
Chung is the second director to leave the project. Jay Roach was initially attached to direct in 2022 but later exited according to EW. A search for a new director is currently underway.
What We Know About the Prequel
The prequel’s plot remains largely under wraps, but the screenplay, penned by Carrie Solomon, is based on characters created by George Clayton Johnson & Jack Golden Russell. The story is reportedly set in 1960s Europe as reported by Deadline. Bradley Cooper is now set to star alongside Margot Robbie, replacing previously attached Ryan Gosling. Benicio del Toro is also expected to appear in a villainous role.
Franchise History and Future Plans
The Ocean’s franchise began with the 1960 film starring Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Steven Soderbergh rebooted the series in 2001 with a trilogy featuring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Julia Roberts, which collectively grossed over $1.4 billion worldwide according to Deadline. A 2018 all-female spinoff, Ocean’s Eight, starring Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway, and Cate Blanchett, further expanded the franchise. Warner Bros. Is also reportedly developing Ocean’s 14.
Production on the prequel was anticipated to begin this year, but the timeline may be affected by the director search and the pending Paramount Skydance acquisition of Warner Bros.