Lee Isaac Chung in Talks to Direct ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ Prequel

Chung, who also directed Oscar-winning drama ‘Minari’, is in contention to handle the reportedly 1960s-set prequel film with Margot Robbie attached.

(Left) Director Lee Isaac Chung on the set of 'Twisters.' Photo: Universal. (Right) 'Ocean's Eleven' poster. Photo: Warner Bros.

Preview:

‘Twisters’ director Lee Isaac Chung is in talks for the ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ prequel.
Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling have been talked about as cast.
Story details are officially locked in a vault.

We’ve been hearing talk of a prequel movie set in the ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ world for while now, with the likes of Margot Robbie (who is also producing) and her ‘Barbie’ co-star Ryan Gosling taking the lead roles.

Things have been quiet of late –– presumably because the script has proved a tough nut to crack. Still, there is some news to report now, with Deadline bringing word that ‘Twisters’Lee Isaac Chung is in talks to direct the movie.

Robbie and Gosling are not confirmed for the movie just yet, but if Chung makes a deal, it points to some positive forward movement.

What’s the story of the ‘Ocean’s Prequel’?

The cast of 2001's 'Ocean's Eleven'. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

Deadline’s report mentions that the script remains secret, though previous stories brought word that it’ll be set in 1962, and focus on a pair of thieves who target expensive earrings during a mansion event followed by a plot to steal precious diamond in Monte Carlo.

Seeking payback after something goes wrong, they recruit a team to sabotage his Monaco Grand Prix victory and swipe the gem.

Carrie Solomon wrote the most recent draft of the screenplay, but there may well have been others involved since then.

The likes of Jay Roach and Molly Rose have been talked up as directors previously, but it would seem Chung is the current choice given the success of ‘Twisters’.

What else is happening in the ‘Ocean’s world?

George Clooney in 'Ocean's Eleven'. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

The last thing we heard on the ‘Ocean’s front was ‘The Fall Guy’ director David Leitch entering talks to direct a new outing for George Clooney and co. in the main series of movies that includes ‘Ocean’s Eleven’, ‘Ocean’s Twelve’ and ‘Ocean’s Thirteen’.

But since those initial stories there has been little update.

Clooney, who is a producer on the ‘Ocean’s franchise in addition to its lead actor, told Uproxx about a development for the future back in 2023:

“We have a really good script for another ‘Ocean’s’ now, so we may end up doing another one. It’s actually a great script. the idea is kind of like ‘Going in Style.’ ”

That’s a nod to Martin Brest’s 1979 heist comedy, which famously starred George Burns, Art Carney, Lee Strasberg and Charles Hallahan as senior citizens who pull off a bank heist.