Bradley Cooper in Talks to Write, Direct and Star in “Ocean’s Eleven” Prequel with Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie is embarking on an exciting venture, as she has been working on a prequel to the popular ‘Ocean’s’ heist series since 2022. Recently, it has been reported that acclaimed actor and filmmaker Bradley Cooper is in discussions to not only co-star in the project but also take on the roles of writer and director.

Sources confirmed to PEOPLE on March 13 that Cooper, who is 51 years old, is in negotiations to helm the project for Warner Bros. This development follows the departure of director Lee Isaac Chung (known for films such as “Minari” and “Twisters”), paving the way for Cooper’s potential involvement in the prequel, which aims to begin filming in 2026.

The seeds for this prequel were sown in 2022, when Robbie’s publicist informed PEOPLE that she, along with director Jay Roach, was crafting an original film set in the 1960s, as a fresh take on the Ocean’s saga. The project gained further momentum in 2023, when producer Josey McNamara hinted that Ryan Gosling might share the screen with Robbie, following their significant success in the film “Barbie.”

According to earlier reports in October 2025, Cooper had also been mentioned as a potential co-star alongside Robbie. At this time, Chung was initially slated to take over the prequel from Robbie’s collaborator Roach, who is noted for his recent project, “The Roses,” which features notable actors Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch.

Meanwhile, five months ago, George Clooney, who embodies the iconic character Danny Ocean in the original trilogy, revealed his ambition to reunite much of the original cast to shoot a sequel titled “Ocean’s Fourteen” by the close of 2026. Clooney expressed the intrigue surrounding the new film, stating: “There was something about the idea that we’re too old to do what we used to do, but we’re still smart enough to know how to get away with something, that just appeals to me,” in an interview with Variety last December.

The original “Ocean’s Eleven” film, released in 2001, is a remake of the 1960 movie of the same name starring Frank Sinatra, which features an ensemble cast including Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, Dean Martin, and Joey Bishop. The 2001 trilogy, which ran until 2007, also featured stars such as Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, and Don Cheadle. The franchise was further expanded with the all-female spin-off “Ocean’s 8” in 2018, that showcased talents like Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, and Anne Hathaway.

For Cooper, directing the Ocean’s prequel would mark his fourth project in this capacity, following his previous work on “A Star Is Born,” the biopic “Maestro,” and “Is This Thing On?” Each of these films also featured Cooper in acting roles. His most recent appearance was a cameo in last year’s “Superman,” along with a guest role in HBO’s hit comedy “The Righteous Gemstones.”

On the other hand, Margot Robbie recently starred in the adaptation of “Wuthering Heights,” showcasing her continued versatility as an actress. The duo’s involvement in the Ocean’s franchise poses exciting possibilities for a new chapter in this beloved series.

As fans await further news on the prequel, the anticipation continues to grow around both Cooper’s and Robbie’s contributions. The involvement of such accomplished actors and the potential return of familiar faces from the original series makes this upcoming project a noteworthy addition to Hollywood’s lineup.