Warner Bros. is developing a new Ocean’s Eleven prequel set in 1960s Europe, with Bradley Cooper in talks to join Margot Robbie in the lead roles. The project will be directed by Lee Isaac Chung, the filmmaker behind Twisters and Minari, with a screenplay by Carrie Solomon. It will be produced by Robbie’s company, LuckyChap, which recently collaborated with Warner Bros. on the global hit Barbie.

The prequel takes place before Steven Soderbergh’s 2001 Ocean’s Eleven and is described as an original heist story unfolding in 1960s Europe. The setting is expected to capture the sophistication and intrigue of the early Ocean’s films while introducing a new ensemble of con artists and thieves. Plot details remain under wraps, but the story is believed to explore how the world of high-stakes heists began within the franchise’s timeline.

Production is expected to begin next year, with Warner Bros. positioning the film as a revival of one of its most enduring and profitable franchises. The studio’s modern Ocean’s trilogy, released between 2001 and 2007, generated more than 1.4 billion dollars worldwide and redefined the heist genre through its ensemble cast, sharp pacing, and distinct visual style. The later spinoff Ocean’s Eight, led by Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett, demonstrated continued audience enthusiasm for stories set in the same universe.

Robbie has been closely involved in developing the prequel since it was first discussed in 2022, assembling a creative team that reflects her focus on distinctive, character-driven studio projects. Chung’s direction suggests the film will emphasize both emotional depth and visual spectacle, combining the grounded storytelling of Minari with the larger-scale energy of Twisters.

For Cooper, the project extends a streak of high-profile work. His next film, Is This Thing On?, premieres this week at the New York Film Festival. The Searchlight release, inspired by the life of British comedian John Bishop, stars Cooper alongside Will Arnett and Laura Dern. It marks his third directorial effort following A Star Is Born and Maestro, both of which earned critical acclaim. Cooper’s participation in the Ocean’s prequel would reunite him with Warner Bros. and place him in another ensemble production centered on performance chemistry and precision storytelling.

Industry observers note that Cooper and Robbie have known each other for years and have long been interested in collaborating. Their partnership adds significant star power to the Ocean’s brand and is expected to appeal to both loyal fans and new audiences. Warner Bros. has not yet announced additional casting or confirmed the title, fueling speculation about which Roman numeral might distinguish the prequel from previous installments.

The project comes amid renewed momentum for the Ocean’s universe. George Clooney recently confirmed that he, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Julia Roberts plan to reunite for Ocean’s Fourteen under director David Leitch. While that sequel continues the original crew’s story, Robbie and Cooper’s prequel will return to the series’ origins in a glamorous European setting reminiscent of the Rat Pack era that inspired the 1960 film.

Warner Bros. has not provided a release date, but the film is expected to enter production in 2026.