Bradley Cooper is in advanced talks to not only star in the upcoming “Ocean’s 11” prequel, but also to direct and write the screenplay for Warner Bros., according to multiple reports. The potential move comes after a period of directorial uncertainty for the project, with previous attachments falling through. This would mark Cooper’s fourth feature film as a director, adding another layer to his already extensive involvement in the entertainment industry.
The prequel, produced by Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap Entertainment, aims to explore the world of Danny Ocean and his crew before the events of the 2001 hit “Ocean’s Eleven” starring George Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts. The project is currently envisioned to be set in 1960s Europe, offering a stylish and potentially glamorous backdrop for a new generation of heist artists. Securing Cooper as director is seen as crucial to keeping the film on track for a late-2024 or early-2025 production start.
Director Search and Cooper’s Expanding Role
The path to finding a director for the “Ocean’s 11” prequel has been winding. “Twisters” director Lee Isaac Chung recently exited the project, following Jay Roach, who was previously attached to helm the film. Cooper’s potential involvement as a triple threat – writer, director, and star – offers Warner Bros. A streamlined creative vision and a significant boost in momentum. He previously directed and starred in the critically acclaimed “A Star Is Born” (2018), “Maestro” (2023), and last year’s “Is This Thing On?”
Carrie Solomon penned a draft of the screenplay, providing a foundation for Cooper to potentially build upon. The story is expected to delve into the origins of the iconic heist team and establish a new narrative within the established “Ocean’s” universe.
A Legacy of Heists: The “Ocean’s” Franchise
The original “Ocean’s 11” premiered in 1960, featuring the legendary Rat Pack – Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop, Peter Lawford, and Dean Martin. Steven Soderbergh’s 2001 remake revitalized the franchise, spawning two successful sequels, “Ocean’s Twelve” (2004) and “Ocean’s Thirteen” (2007). The franchise expanded in 2018 with the all-female reboot, “Ocean’s Eight,” starring Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, and Rihanna.
Notably, George Clooney is also developing another “Ocean’s” film, bringing back the original cast – Roberts, Damon, Pitt, and Don Cheadle – as aging criminals. Clooney described the concept to Variety last year, stating, “There was something about the idea that we’re too old to do what we used to do, but we’re still smart enough to know how to get away with something, that just appeals to me.” He added, “They’ve lost a step, and they demand to find a way to work around their limitations.”
LuckyChap and Warner Bros. Collaboration
The “Ocean’s 11” prequel is part of a broader collaboration between Warner Bros. And Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap Entertainment. The production company struck a first-look deal with Warner Bros. Following the massive success of “Barbie,” which grossed $1.4 billion worldwide and received multiple Oscar nominations. LuckyChap recently debuted Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of “Wuthering Heights” and is currently working on a reimagining of “Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman” directed by Tim Burton.
Details of Cooper’s expanded role were first reported by Puck. Warner Bros. Has not yet issued a formal comment on the matter.
As Bradley Cooper potentially steps into a larger creative role with the “Ocean’s 11” prequel, the project gains significant momentum. The coming months will be crucial as the script is finalized and pre-production ramps up, setting the stage for a new chapter in the beloved heist franchise. Fans and industry observers alike will be watching closely to see how Cooper’s vision shapes this exciting addition to the “Ocean’s” legacy.
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