Ocean's Eleven Prequel: Bradley Cooper to direct – first plot details revealed

It's now official: Bradley Cooper will direct the "Ocean's Eleven" prequel. There had already been speculation about the star's casting. At CinemaCon 2026, Warner Bros. confirmed that Cooper is on board. He is also set to star alongside Margot Robbie.

The first details about the film's story have also been revealed. The plot is set in 1962. Margot Robbie, who is also involved as a producer, addressed CinemaCon guests virtually and explained:

"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."

Before Bradley Cooper, another director was at the helm

The focus is thus on the parents of the former protagonist Danny Ocean, who was portrayed by George Clooney in Steven Soderbergh's "Ocean's" films. It is assumed that Bradley Cooper and Margot Robbie will take on the roles of the parents in the new film. A specific title for the prequel has not yet been announced. However, a release date has been set: the "Ocean's Eleven" prequel is scheduled to hit theaters on June 25, 2027.

Before Bradley Cooper came on board, another filmmaker was at the helm: Lee Isaac Chung. The "Twisters" director is said to have been involved in the development of the "Ocean's Eleven" prequel alongside Margot Robbie. According to Warner Bros. Studios, however, there was an "amicable split due to creative differences."

Bradley Cooper shines both in front of and behind the camera

In any case, Bradley Cooper is an interesting choice—both in front of and behind the camera. In addition to numerous roles in films such as "Silver Linings Playbook," "War Dogs," and "Nightmare Alley," he has also made a name for himself as a director since "A Star Is Born." The musical drama, in which Cooper also starred alongside Lady Gaga, received enthusiastic reactions. The reward for his efforts: eight Oscar nominations, including in the Best Picture category. And in his latest film, "Is This Thing On?", he also acted in front of the camera, directed, and co-wrote the screenplay.

The Ocean's Franchise: One Success After Another

As for the "Ocean's" franchise, a prequel isn't the only thing in the works. A sequel, "Ocean's 14," is also set to follow, in which familiar faces from the original films—such as George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Don Cheadle—could make a comeback as aging con artists. So things remain exciting for fans of Danny Ocean.

Given the financial success of the film series, further sequels come as no surprise. The first film from 2001, in which a group of likable crooks attempts to rob a casino in Las Vegas, proved to be a gold mine. The crime comedy by director Steven Soderbergh captivated audiences with its star-studded cast of Hollywood stars, but also impressed with its incredibly laid-back direction and grossed $450 million worldwide.

For the sequels "Ocean's 12" and "Ocean's 13," both the cast led by George Clooney and Soderbergh were back on board. Audiences were clearly delighted by the return, and each film grossed over $300 million. The latest installment in the series, for now, was released in 2018. Gary Ross took the director's chair for "Ocean's 8." The spin-off centered on a female crew led by Hollywood star Sandra Bullock. The box office results were impressive once again. "Ocean's 8" raked in another $297 million, making it clear that even without George Clooney's ensemble, the film series still draws large audiences to theaters. These are good signs that the prequel, starring Bradley Cooper and Margot Robbie, will also be a success.