Two prominent Hollywood actors, Bradley Cooper and Margot Robbie, are reportedly in discussions to lead the upcoming prequel to the iconic Ocean’s Eleven franchise. The film aims to explore the backstory leading up to the famous 2001 casino heist orchestrated by George Clooney’s character, Danny Ocean.
Although negotiations are ongoing and no official agreement has been announced, sources indicate that these star powerhouses are close to joining the cast. The new project will be directed by Lee Isaac Chung, known for Twisters, who replaced the previously attached director Jay Roach. Cooper, 50, and Robbie, 35, who have maintained a long-standing friendship, have expressed interest in working together on this film for some time, according to entertainment industry insiders.
The Evolution and Legacy of the Ocean’s Eleven Franchise
The Ocean’s Eleven series, reimagined in 2001 by Steven Soderbergh, united George Clooney with an ensemble that included Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, and Matt Damon, quickly becoming a blockbuster hit. It led to two sequels, Ocean’s Twelve in 2004 and Ocean’s Thirteen in 2007, along with the 2018 spin-off Ocean’s Eight, headlined by Sandra Bullock.
This upcoming prequel expands the franchise’s longstanding popularity, tracing its roots back to the original 1960 film starring Frank Sinatra as Danny Ocean. George Clooney humorously responded to early rumors of the casting involving Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as his parents, joking,
“Yeah! Margot Robbie is my mother? I’ve always thought that,”
Clooney said.
“Ryan Gosling is my father. Now when you think about it, it makes sense. Truly.”
Additionally, Clooney revealed that Ocean’s Fourteen is in active development, reuniting much of the original cast. He shared with E! News,
“We just got the budget approved at Warner Bros. and we’re trying to set up,”
and noted that shooting could commence
“in about nine or ten months.”
Expectations for the Ocean’s Prequel and Its Star-Studded Cast
Details about the plot remain closely guarded, but the film is expected to delve into the origins of the Ocean family and the heist legacy that defines this stylish crime saga. With Warner Bros. backing the production and Lee Isaac Chung directing, the prequel aims to recapture the sharp wit and sleek tone that made the series highly successful worldwide.
Fans are particularly excited by the potential collaboration of Cooper and Robbie, both Oscar-nominated actors with strong box office records, marking their first shared film since their acclaimed performances in Silver Linings Playbook and The Wolf of Wall Street. This pairing brings fresh energy to the franchise while deepening its narrative roots.
Should the negotiations conclude successfully, the prequel will add a compelling chapter to the Ocean’s saga, offering audiences insight into the events that shaped Danny Ocean’s legendary heist and setting the stage for future installments.
