Bradley Cooper is set to take on a major new project, confirming that he will write, direct, and star in an upcoming prequel to the iconic Ocean’s franchise alongside Margot Robbie.
The announcement was highlighted during CinemaCon, where Warner Bros. unveiled plans for the film, which is scheduled for a theatrical release on June 25, 2027. The project aims to expand the long-running heist series by exploring events set decades before the storyline of Ocean’s Eleven.
This new installment will delve into the origins of Danny Ocean’s family, with a particular focus on his parents, who are portrayed as highly skilled criminals in their own right. According to Robbie, who joined the presentation virtually, the narrative follows the duo during their prime as they carry out an ambitious heist set against the glamorous backdrop of the Monaco Grand Prix in 1962—one of the most prestigious and high-stakes events in motorsport.
The European setting marks a distinct departure from the Las Vegas casino environment that defined the modern trilogy, offering a fresh visual and narrative direction rooted in international intrigue and the world of Formula One. Robbie is also producing the film through her LuckyChap production company, continuing her successful collaboration with Warner Bros on major studio ventures. The screenplay has been written by Carrie Solomon.
Although the project has yet to receive an official title, it is widely being referred to as an Ocean’s prequel. Cooper’s involvement follows the exit of filmmaker Lee Isaac Chung, who had initially been attached to direct but stepped away due to creative differences.
The film signals a new creative direction under Cooper’s leadership, blending his established on-screen presence with his growing reputation behind the camera.
The Ocean’s franchise originally began with Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven in 2001, itself a remake of the 1960 film Ocean’s 11. The trilogy, which includes Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen, featured a star-studded cast including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Julia Roberts. The series later expanded with Ocean’s Eight in 2018, led by Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett.
During the same CinemaCon presentation, Warner Bros also revealed a slate of upcoming projects across multiple genres. These include titles such as The Revenge of La Llorona, Evil Dead Wrath, Final Destination 7, The Flood directed by Zach Cregger, and an untitled project from Baz Luhrmann. Additionally, the studio confirmed that a Game of Thrones feature film titled Aegon’s Conquest is currently in development, signaling continued expansion of its major franchises.
With production plans moving ahead and a high-profile creative team attached, the Ocean’s prequel is shaping up to be one of Warner Bros’ key tentpole releases for 2027, generating strong anticipation among fans of the franchise.
