Bradley Cooper to Lead and Direct Ocean’s Eleven Prequel

Warner Bros. has officially confirmed that its long-gestating Ocean’s Eleven prequel is finally moving forward—and with a significant creative shift. Bradley Cooper is now set to take on four major roles in the production: writer, director, producer, and star.

The announcement came during the studio’s CinemaCon presentation on April 14, signaling that the project has emerged from development uncertainty with a clear direction and a high-profile creative team.

The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on June 25, 2027, positioning it as a major summer release. Cooper will star opposite Margot Robbie, with the two playing the parents of Danny Ocean, the iconic character originally portrayed by George Clooney. Benicio del Toro is also reportedly in discussions to join the cast, though his involvement has not yet been finalized.

This project marks Cooper’s fourth outing as a director, following his 2025 film Is This Thing On?. He steps in to replace Lee Isaac Chung, who exited the project last month. In addition to directing, Cooper has reworked the script, indicating a substantial creative overhaul. Production duties will be shared between Robbie’s LuckyChap Entertainment and Cooper’s Lea Pictures.

Narratively, the film shifts the franchise into a period setting. The story unfolds in 1962, centered around a high-stakes heist during the Monaco Grand Prix. The setting leans heavily into the aesthetic of early 1960s glamour, combining elements of classic Hollywood style with the franchise’s signature caper tone.

According to Robbie, who addressed CinemaCon attendees via video message, the film is structured as “an old-fashioned epic love story disguised as a heist.” The plot focuses on the two central characters as master thieves whose influence ultimately shapes Danny Ocean’s future.

The project has undergone several iterations over the years. At one point, Ryan Gosling was expected to star alongside Robbie, capitalizing on their chemistry from Barbie. However, Gosling reportedly exited due to scheduling conflicts tied to Star Wars: Starfighter. Cooper’s involvement appears to have redefined the film’s direction, both creatively and structurally.

With a firm release date, a retooled script, and a high-profile cast, Warner Bros. is positioning the Ocean’s Eleven prequel as both a stylistic departure and a continuation of the franchise’s legacy.