Bradley Cooper alongside Margot Robbie in the Oceans prequel
Ryan Gosling was originally supposed to play the male lead role.
The planned "Ocean's" prequel from Warner Bros. continues to take shape: Following the signing of Lee Isaac Chung as director, Bradley Cooper could now take on a central role alongside Margot Robbie, according to Deadline.
According to industry reports, negotiations are currently underway, but a contract has not yet been signed. The production is being made under Robbie's company LuckyChap Entertainment, which has already enjoyed success with projects such as "Barbie". Ryan Gosling was originally considered for the male lead role.
Little is known about the plot so far. The only thing that is certain is that the project will act as a prequel to the well-known "Ocean's" series. The screenplay was written by Carrie Solomon, who was previously responsible for "A Family Affair" with Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron. Filming is scheduled for 2026. And while we're on the subject: "Oceans 14" with George Clooney is also in the works!
Bradley Cooper: from charming comedian to celebrated character actor
Bradley Cooper is one of the most versatile and successful actors in Hollywood today. With his charismatic demeanor, emotional depth and undeniable talent, he has developed from a supporting role to superstar over the past two decades – and has now also made a name for himself as a director and producer. His filmography is impressively wide-ranging: from comedies to action thrillers and musical dramas. Below we take a look at the best-known and most influential films of his career.
Breakthrough with Hangover (2009)
Cooper's worldwide breakthrough came with the hit comedy "Hangover" by Todd Phillips. As Phil Wenneck, the self-confident but slightly overwhelmed leader of a chaotic group of men, Cooper impressed with his perfect timing and charming wit. The film became a global phenomenon, grossing over 470 million US dollars and making him a star overnight.
Even though the two sequels ( "Hangover 2" and "Hangover 3" ) did not achieve the same cult status, they cemented Cooper's reputation as one of the most sought-after comedy actors of his generation. At the same time, the series opened the doors to more serious roles for him – an opportunity he was soon to seize.
From comedy to character drama: Silver Linings (2012)
Few actors make the leap from comedy star to serious dramatist as convincingly as Bradley Cooper. In "Silver Linings" (director: David O. Russell), he played Pat Solitano, a mentally unstable man who tries to reorganize his life after a stay in a psychiatric ward.
Alongside Jennifer Lawrence, who won an Oscar for her role, Cooper gave a nuanced, vulnerable performance that earned him his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role. The film was not only a hit with critics and audiences, but also marked the beginning of a creative partnership between Cooper and director Russell that continued in other projects.
American Hustle (2013)
A year later, Cooper worked with David O. Russell again – this time in the top-class crime comedy "American Hustle", in which he played the ambitious FBI agent Richie DiMaso. Alongside Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence, Cooper once again proved his versatility.
The film was nominated for ten Oscars, including Cooper's second nomination. With his energetic performance between vanity and idealism, he showed that he can do more than just be a leading man – he can also bring his characters to life in an irritating, unpredictable way.
Patriotism and tragedy: American Sniper (2014)
Bradley Cooper reached a new high point in his career with Clint Eastwood's "American Sniper". In the role of US Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle, considered the deadliest sniper in US history, Cooper displayed an impressive blend of physical presence and inner turmoil.
For the film, Cooper put on almost 20 kilograms of muscle mass and embodied Kyle with deep respect and emotional depth. The film sparked heated discussions in the USA about patriotism, war trauma and the moral consequences of military violence – and grossed over 540 million dollars worldwide. Cooper's performance earned him his third Oscar nomination and cemented his status as a serious actor and producer.
A Star Is Born (2018)
With "A Star Is Born", Bradley Cooper ventured behind the camera – and proved that he not only shines in front of the camera, but also behind it. As director, screenwriter, producer and leading actor, he created a modern remake of the classic Hollywood fairy tale about love, fame and self-destruction. Cooper played washed-up musician Jackson Maine, who discovers and promotes aspiring singer Ally (played by Lady Gaga) while his own career slowly crumbles. The film was a worldwide success, receiving eight Oscar nominations and winning the award for Best Song ("Shallow").
Cooper's directorial debut impressed with its authenticity, emotional power and musical intensity. His chemistry with Lady Gaga in particular was widely praised – and made the film a modern classic of musical drama.
Maestro (2023)
With "Maestro", his second directorial project, Cooper proved once and for all that he is one of Hollywood's most creative minds. The film tells the life story of legendary composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein – and is also a moving study of love, art and identity.
Cooper once again directed, wrote, produced and starred in the film – and impressed critics worldwide with his sensitive performance. Together with Carey Mulligan, who played Bernstein's wife Felicia Montealegre, he created an intimate, visually powerful portrait of two artistic souls. "Maestro" received numerous Oscar nominations and confirmed Cooper's status as a serious auteur.
Further highlights
In addition to his great successes, Cooper has also appeared in other popular films – for example as the voice of the cynical raccoon Rocket in the "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Avengers" films in the Marvel universe. His precise, humorous voice performance lent the character an unexpected emotional depth.
Conclusion
From wild comedies to emotional dramas and sophisticated biopics, Bradley Cooper has become one of the most versatile actors and filmmakers of his generation. His career exemplifies the courage to break new ground and constantly evolve. Whether as an actor, director or producer: Cooper remains a guarantor of quality, passion and artistic depth – and Hollywood can look forward to seeing what chapter he opens next.
