Lee Isaac Chung exits Bradley Cooper and Margot Robbie’s Ocean’s Eleven prequel: Details inside

Chung had been developing the movie with Warner Bros. under Margot Robbie’s production banner, LuckyChap Entertainment.

• Lee Isaac Chung leaves Ocean’s Eleven prequel over creative differences
• Bradley Cooper and Margot Robbie still attached to star
• Future of the Ocean’s Eleven prequel now remains uncertain

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The much-anticipated Ocean’s Eleven prequel, starring Bradley Cooper and Margot Robbie, appears to have hit a speed bump. Director Lee Isaac Chung has exited the project, according to the latest reports, leaving fans curious about what lies ahead for the film.

Chung had been developing the movie with Warner Bros. under Margot Robbie’s production banner, LuckyChap Entertainment. A representative for the studio confirmed that the filmmaker stepped away amicably, citing “creative differences.”

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, a joint statement from Warner Bros. and LuckyChap read, “Lee Isaac is a singular filmmaking talent whose vision and partnership have been invaluable to Warner Bros. and LuckyChap throughout this journey. Our experience with him has only deepened our enthusiasm to collaborate on future projects together.”

The publication had earlier reported in 2022 that the prequel was in development, with Jay Roach initially attached to direct before he too exited the project. Plot details remain tightly under wraps. The script has been penned by Carrie Solomon, but the story’s direction and timeline within the Ocean’s universe have yet to be revealed.

Lee Isaac Chung is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary cinema. He earned international acclaim with Minari, a deeply personal, semi-autobiographical drama about a Korean-American family chasing the American Dream. His body of work spans intimate indie films like Abigail Harm to larger-scale studio ventures such as Twisters, highlighting his versatility as a storyteller.

Meanwhile, the broader Ocean’s franchise continues to evolve. Though Chung’s prequel remains untitled, another installment is also in the works, with Steven Soderbergh reportedly returning to the director’s chair. Original cast members including Matt Damon, Don Cheadle and Julia Roberts are expected to reprise their roles.

The franchise began in 2001 with Ocean's Eleven, Soderbergh’s stylish remake of the 1960 heist film Ocean's 11, which famously starred Frank Sinatra and other Rat Pack members. The 2001 reboot featured an ensemble led by George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts and Matt Damon, and went on to spawn two sequels, concluding with Ocean's Thirteen in 2007.

In 2018, Warner Bros. expanded the universe with Ocean's Eight, directed by Gary Ross and headlined by Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett and Anne Hathaway.

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On the work front, Margot Robbie was recently seen in Wuthering Heights, where she stars alongside Jacob Elordi.

For now, the future of the Ocean’s Eleven prequel remains uncertain, as Warner Bros. and LuckyChap look to chart the next course for the stylish heist saga.