Which actor is replacing Ryan Gosling in the prequel to Ocean’s Eleven with Margot Robbie?

By Nathan Merchadier, 

and Ambra Flora.

Published on 20 March 2026. Updated on 16 April 2026.

A few months ago, news came out that a new Ocean’s film was in the works, nineteen years after the release of the last installment, Ocean’s 13. Temporarily titled Ocean’s Fourteen, the feature is expected to bring back part of the original cast. That includes George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon and Don Cheadle.

Good news for fans of heist stories, another project is expanding the universe of the saga, presented as a prequel to Ocean’s Eleven.

Bradley Cooper could direct the prequel starring Margot Robbie

Initially announced for 2022, this heist film has undergone numerous upheavals, both in terms of direction and casting. However, one element is clear for now. Actress Margot Robbie will act as both lead actress and producer in this project.

Long expected to share the screen with Margot Robbie following the success of Barbie, Ryan Gosling will ultimately not be part of the project. He is in fact being replaced by Bradley Cooper, whose involvement may extend beyond acting, as he is also being considered to direct the project. This information was confirmed by Variety a few days ago. The American actor will take on the role of director, succeeding Lee Isaac Chung (Twisters), who was removed from the project after creative differences…

This will mark a highly anticipated first collaboration between the two prestigious actors. Indeed, Margot Robbie and Bradley Cooper have never worked together before, even though they have crossed paths several times on red carpets and have both worked with director David O. Russell in Amsterdam (2022) and Silver Linings Playbook (2012). Benicio del Toro is also expected to join the cast. The actor was recently nominated at the 2026 Oscars for his role in One Battle After Another.

Who will direct the prequel?

The project has seen several filmmakers come and go, each faced with the daunting task of succeeding Steven Soderbergh, the driving force behind the cult 2000s trilogy, and as Gary Ross, who directed Ocean’s 8 in 2018. As a reminder, the latter offered a female-led version of the franchise starring Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett.

Originally set to be directed by Jay Roach (Austin Powers, Bombshell), and then by Lee Isaac Chung (Minari), both filmmakers ultimately stepped away from the project due to creative differences, according to Deadline.

According to the latest reports, the film may ultimately be directed by Bradley Cooper himself, who, in addition to his acting career, has also established himself as a remarkable filmmaker. His credits include A Star Is Born (2018) starring Lady Gaga, Maestro (2023) with Carey Mulligan, and Is This Thing On? (2025) with Laura Dern.

A glamorous heist set in the 1960s

While details of the plot remain unclear and still up in the air, the film is expected to be a faithful reinterpretation of Lewis Milestone‘s Ocean’s 11 (1960). Originally starring Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, the film served as the primary source of inspiration for the cult Ocean’s saga, centred on a group of veterans pulling off casino heists. According to Allociné, the story is said to take place “during the 1962 Monaco Grand Prix, where a couple teaches their children how to rob the wealthy.”

According to statements made by the film’s initial director, Jay Roach, to the American press, the story is set in the 1960s, aboard the yacht of a shipping mogul. “The Monaco Grand Prix is the backdrop and there’s a big famous shipping magnate who has a yacht. I wanted it to be old-fashioned. Margot brought it to me as a kind of old-fashioned epic love story slash adventure disguised as a heist,” he explained. More than enough to heighten anticipation for this action movie, scheduled for release on June 23rd, 2027.

The prequel to Ocean’s Eleven by Bradley Cooper, coming out in theatres on June 23rd, 2027.