Lee Isaac Chung exits project over creative differences.

Another Setback for the Ocean’s Prequel

March 05, 2026 – The upcoming Ocean’s Eleven prequel starring Margot Robbie has hit another major setback after losing its director once again. Filmmaker Lee Isaac Chung, who joined the project in 2025, has now exited the movie due to creative differences with the studio and producers.

The departure marks the second time the project has lost a director during its development.

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Earlier Director Also Stepped Away

When the prequel was first announced in 2022, Warner Bros. initially tapped Austin Powers director Jay Roach to helm the film. However, Roach later stepped away from the project, paving the way for Chung to take over.

Now, Chung’s exit means the studio must once again search for a filmmaker to lead the ambitious heist movie.

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A Star-Studded Project in Development

The prequel is expected to star Margot Robbie and potentially Bradley Cooper, with Robbie also producing through her LuckyChap Entertainment company. The film is reportedly set in 1960s Europe and will explore events tied to the Ocean family before the famous casino heist seen in the 2001 film.

The project remains one of Warner Bros.’ most anticipated franchise expansions.

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The Legacy of the Ocean’s Franchise

The Ocean’s franchise began with the 1960 Rat Pack film before being revived by Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven in 2001 starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts. The reboot was followed by two sequels and a 2018 spinoff, Ocean’s Eight.

The planned prequel aims to expand the timeline of the beloved heist universe.

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Final Thoughts

Although losing another director creates uncertainty, the Ocean’s Eleven prequel remains in development with major stars attached. Once a new filmmaker is found, the project could still move forward as Warner Bros. continues expanding one of Hollywood’s most successful heist franchises.

FAQs

Q1: Who left the Ocean’s Eleven prequel project?
Director Lee Isaac Chung exited the film due to creative differences.

Q2: Who was the original director?
Jay Roach was originally attached before leaving the project earlier.

Q3: Who is expected to star in the prequel?
Margot Robbie is set to star and produce, with Bradley Cooper reportedly in talks.

Q4: What is the story about?
The film is a prequel set in the 1960s exploring the earlier history connected to the Ocean family.

Q5: Is the movie canceled?
No, the film remains in development while the studio searches for a new director.