Bradley Cooper to Write, Direct and Star in Ocean’s 11 Prequel with Margot Robbie

Bradley Cooper has been confirmed to write, direct, produce, and star in an upcoming prequel to the Ocean’s 11 franchise. The announcement was made by Warner Bros. Studio heads Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy during the studio’s The Big Picture panel at CinemaCon in Las Vegas.

The untitled project is currently scheduled for release on June 25, 2027. Cooper will star alongside Margot Robbie, who is producing the film through her LuckyChap banner.

Plot and Setting

During a virtual appearance at the convention, Margot Robbie revealed that the film will serve as an origin story for the family of Danny Ocean, the character portrayed by George Clooney in the original trilogy.

Before Danny Ocean ever stepped foot in Vegas, two masterminds taught him everything he knows: his parents. You’ll see them in all their prime in our new movie, pulling off an epic heist at the 1962 Monaco Grand Prix.

Margot Robbie

The narrative is expected to take place in 1960s Europe, specifically centering on the 1962 Monaco Grand Prix. This marks a departure from the Las Vegas setting of the 2001 film Ocean’s Eleven.

Cooper’s Directorial Transition

The prequel marks Cooper’s fourth feature film as a director. His previous directorial efforts include the Best Picture nominees A Star Is Born (2018) and Maestro (2023), as well as the 2025 romantic drama Is This Thing On? starring Will Arnett.

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Cooper’s attachment to the project follows the exits of previous directors. The film was previously attached to Twisters and Minari director Lee Isaac Chung, as well as Jay Roach.

According to industry reports, Cooper’s appointment as director is intended to keep the production on track to begin filming before the end of 2026. A draft of the screenplay was previously penned by Carrie Solomon.

Broader Franchise Developments

The prequel is one of several expansions within the Ocean’s universe. A separate new film is also in development featuring the return of George Clooney, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, and Don Cheadle, focusing on the original group as aging criminals.

The original Ocean’s 11 premiered in 1960 with the Rat Pack, while the Steven Soderbergh-directed 2001 version spawned two sequels, Ocean’s Twelve (2004) and Ocean’s Thirteen (2007), and the 2018 spin-off Ocean’s Eight.

Warner Bros. Slate and CinemaCon Highlights

The announcement of the Ocean’s prequel was part of a wider presentation of Warner Bros.’ upcoming slate. The studio shared footage and updates for several projects, including:

• Supergirl and Clayface
• Digger and Evil Dead Burn
• Mortal Kombat II and Practical Magic 2
• J.J. Abrams’ The Great Beyond

Attendees were also shown the first seven minutes of Dune: Part Three, presented by director Denis Villeneuve and cast members Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Jason Momoa.

Warner Bros. Also revealed other upcoming release dates, including The Revenge of La Llorona (April 9, 2027), Evil Dead Wrath (April 7, 2028), Final Destination 7 (May 12, 2028), and a Game of Thrones prequel movie.