Warner Bros. is diving back into the glamorous world of high-stakes heists — this time with a retro twist. According to The Wrap and People, Oscar-nominated actor Bradley Cooper is in talks to star opposite Margot Robbie in a prequel to Ocean’s Eleven, the 2001 classic directed by Steven Soderbergh.
A Fresh Take on the Heist Universe
The upcoming film is being envisioned as a 1960s European caper, marking a stylish prelude to the slick Las Vegas-set world of George Clooney’s Danny Ocean.
While the official title remains under wraps, the project is said to explore an earlier era of charm, sophistication, and elaborate cons — a tone that fits perfectly with the suave legacy of the Ocean’s series.
The screenplay is penned by Carrie Solomon, with Lee Isaac Chung, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Minari and this year’s Twisters, stepping in to direct. The project was previously set to be helmed by Jay Roach, who has since departed.
Margot Robbie Leads as Star and Producer
Margot Robbie, coming off the blockbuster success of Barbie, is not only starring but also producing the prequel under her LuckyChap Entertainment banner. The actress continues to carve out a diverse slate of projects that balance crowd-pleasing spectacle with creative control — from pop culture icons to original dramas.
With Warner Bros. backing the project, the studio seems determined to expand the Ocean’s brand in fresh directions while staying rooted in its signature mix of glamour and wit.
Bradley Cooper in Talks to Join the Cast
If the deal closes, Bradley Cooper will join Robbie in what’s shaping up to be one of Hollywood’s most anticipated collaborations.
Cooper, whose recent directorial efforts A Star Is Born and Maestro earned widespread acclaim, is set to debut his latest film Is This Thing On? — inspired by comedian John Bishop — at the New York Film Festival.
Known for his dynamic range, from The Hangover and Silver Linings Playbook to American Sniper, Cooper’s casting would add serious star power to a film already buzzing with prestige and style.
The Expanding Ocean’s Legacy
This prequel joins a long lineage of stylish heist tales. The 2001 Ocean’s Eleven, starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Julia Roberts, became a global hit and redefined the modern ensemble caper. It was itself a remake of the 1960 Ocean’s 11, which featured Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack.
That film spawned two sequels — Ocean’s Twelve (2004) and Ocean’s Thirteen (2007) — and later inspired the all-female Ocean’s Eight (2018), headlined by Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, and Rihanna.
Adding to the intrigue, Clooney recently revealed plans for Ocean’s Fourteen, which is expected to reunite the original cast for another outing.
What We Know So Far
Production details and release plans for the prequel have not been confirmed, though insiders suggest it could start filming once Cooper’s deal is finalized. The film’s retro-European backdrop is expected to offer a distinct tone — more To Catch a Thief than Vegas Hustle — giving fans a new reason to return to the Ocean’s universe.
With Robbie producing, Cooper potentially joining, and Chung directing, this prequel is shaping up to be a high-style reboot for a new era of heist cinema.
