After Margot Robbie‘s massive summer hit Barbie in 2023, fans learned that she was starring in another famous IP movie. It was announced that she would be leading the new movie from the Ocean’s franchise, which was first announced back in August 2022. Reports emerged that she would be playing the mother of Danny Ocean, George Clooney‘s character from Ocean’s Eleven.
It was reported at the time that Ryan Gosling was roped in to play the male lead, which no longer appears to be the case. According to Roger Friedman of Showbiz411, Robbie and Gosling were set to play the Oceans in the movie. Friedman also shared that the movie starring Robbie would take place in 1960s Europe, serving as a prequel to the original trilogy.
Robbie’s character would’ve been mother to not only Clooney’s Danny Ocean but also Sandra Bullock‘s Debbie Ocean. Bullock’s character was introduced in the all-female spin-off of the original trilogy, titled Ocean’s 8. Friedman also shared a potential storyline where the Oceans teach their two young children, Danny and Debby, the art of stealing from the rich.
The Oceans, like in the previous films, will have a group helping them, played by an ensemble cast of actors. New reports suggested that Twisters director Lee Isaac Chung took over the film from Jay Roach, who was initially on board to direct (via Variety). Carrie Solomon, writer of Netflix’s A Family Affair
After the original reports stated that Robbie was set to reunite with Barbie co-star Ryan Gosling, the latest reports suggest that Bradley Cooper is in negotiations with Warner Bros. to star in the lead role.
Bradley Cooper in Talks to Replace Ryan Gosling in Ocean’s Prequel
The latest update from Margot Robbie’s Ocean’s movie surprised many fans. It appears that Ryan Gosling backed out of the project at some point, as several outlets reported that Bradley Cooper is in talks to star as Robbie’s on-screen partner in the movie. While it isn’t a done deal, Cooper appears to have strong chances of landing the lead character.
Earlier, the comments from one of the producers of the film, Josey McNamara, made it seem like Gosling’s casting was almost a done deal. McNamara is a partner in LuckyChap Entertainment alongside Robbie and her husband, Tom Ackerley. LuckyChap is one of the production houses on the project.
She shared that she was excited for people to experience this film from the franchise. About Gosling’s involvement, she told GamesRadar+, “[Robbie & Gosling] are wonderful together. The more projects even outside of that we can have them do would be amazing.”
Cooper is currently busy with his third directorial venture after A Star Is Born and Maestro. This time, he made a movie inspired by British comedian John Bishop. Will Arnett and Laura Dern will star in his movie, titled Is This Thing On?. The film will have its world premiere at the New York Film Festival today.
Cooper already has a production deal with WB. He has his movie, Bullitt, in development at the studio, which has Steven Spielberg at its helm.
George Clooney on Margot Robbie Potentially Playing His Mother in Ocean’s Prequel
When Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling were announced as leads in the Ocean’s prequel back in 2023, George Clooney was asked to comment on the casting. Clooney was definitely excited about the casting, and he gave his approval for the earlier pair. He shared at the premiere of his directorial The Boys in the Boat (via Variety):
Margot Robbie’s my mother? I’ve always thought that. And Ryan Gosling is my father, and when you think about it, it makes sense. Truly.
Clooney might not have a problem with Bradley Cooper playing his father instead of Gosling. Now, Cooper’s potential casting wasn’t the only major update from the Ocean’s franchise this week. He confirmed to E! News that Ocean’s 14 is officially in the works.
He shared that he will likely reunite with Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Don Cheadle next year for filming. He shared (via Deadline):
We just got the budget approved at Warner Bros. and we’re trying to set up. It’s just scheduling, so it’s just setting a start date for us. Probably start in about nine or 10 months, shooting.
When asked about reuniting with his co-stars again, he shared, “They’re all still really dear friends. And so, the chance to work together would be fun.” He earlier teased the movie during an interview with Uproxx, sharing that they had a really good script for another Ocean’s film.
What do you think about Margot Robbie’s prequel to George Clooney’s Ocean’s trilogy? Let us know in the comments below!
All the films in the franchise are now available for rent on AppleTV and Amazon.
