The prequel to Ocean's Eleven might have finally found its new creative lead. Bradley Cooper is in talks to write, direct, and star in the film alongside Margot Robbie, who is also involved in the project as a producer through her company LuckyChap, according to journalist Matthew Belloni.
Fun news: Bradley Cooper is now the choice to write and direct the Ocean's 11 prequel for WB. (Lee Isaac Chung recently dropped out.) Cooper would also star with Margot Robbie. No deals yet, but goal is to shoot this year.
— Matthew Belloni (@MattBelloni) March 13, 2026
The project is going through a new stage after the departure of director Lee Isaac Chung, who left the production due to creative differences with the studio. Before him, filmmaker Jay Roach had also been linked to the film, which reflects the numerous changes that the development of this prequel has experienced in recent years.
The story will function as a prequel to the Ocean universe and will be set in the Europe of the 60s, according to Variety. The script, written by Carrie Solomon, will explore the origins of the Ocean family and the world of big heists that the character of Danny Ocean would later star in the film saga.
In previous versions of the project, the male lead role was linked to Ryan Gosling, although finally Cooper is shaping up as the main bet to accompany Robbie on screen.
If negotiations come to fruition, the film would mark Cooper's fourth foray into directing after titles such as A Star Is Born, consolidating his career also behind the camera within one of Hollywood's most popular heist franchises.