‘Ocean’s Eleven’ Prequel Loses Director Lee Isaac Chung Amid Creative Differences

Two-time Oscar-nominated Minari filmmaker Lee Isaac Chung has departed Warner Bros and LuckyChap’s Ocean’s prequel.

via: THR

Chung had been developing the movie with the studio and Margot Robbie, who is attached to star with Bradley Cooper and produce through her LuckyChap banner. A representative for Warner Bros. confirms that Chung left amicably amid “creative differences.”

A joint statement from Warner Bros. and LuckyChap read, “Lee Isaac is a singular filmmaking talent whose vision and partnership have been invaluable to Warner Bros. and LuckyChap throughout this journey. Our experience with him has only deepened our enthusiasm to collaborate on future projects together.”

The Hollywood Reporter exclusively reported on the planned prequel in 2022, with Jay Roach attached to direct at the time before he later exited. Plot details have not yet been shared for the project that has a script from Carrie Solomon.

Warner Bros.’ franchise launched in 2001 with Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven that remade the studio’s 1960 heist movie Ocean’s 11, starring Frank Sinatra and other Rat Pack members. George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts and Matt Damon were among the stars of Soderbergh’s film trilogy that concluded with 2007’s Ocean’s Thirteen.

In 2018, Warner Bros. released Ocean’s Eight, director Gary Ross’ spinoff of Soderbergh’s trilogy that starred Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett and Anne Hathaway.

Chung helmed the 2020 feature Minari, for which he earned Oscar nominations for his direction and screenplay, and 2024’s Glen Powell-led sequel Twisters. Robbie stars opposite Jacob Elordi in director Emerald Fennell’s recent literary adaptation Wuthering Heights for Warner Bros.

Deadline was first to report on Chung’s departure.