Director Lee Isaac Chung Exits - Lee Isaac Chung exits Ocean's prequel amid creative clashes with Warner Bros.
Warner Bros. has confirmed that director Lee Isaac Chung has left the upcoming Ocean's prequel project. The departure follows creative differences during the project management's development. Despite the split, the studio and production company LuckyChap have praised Chung's contributions and left the door open for future collaborations.
The search for a new director is now underway, while the film's plot remains tightly guarded.
The Ocean's prequel had been in the works with Chung at the helm, collaborating closely with Margot Robbie, who is attached as both the lead actress and a producer. The screenplay, written by Carrie Solomon, draws from characters originally created by George Clayton Johnson and Jack Golden Russell.
Chung's exit marks a shift in the project, but the franchise itself continues to expand. Beyond the prequel, a fourth instalment in the main Ocean's series is already in motion. David Leitch has been tapped to direct, with production scheduled to begin in October 2026.
The Ocean's series has deep roots in cinema, starting with the 1960 Rat Pack classic Ocean's 11. Later films, including the 2001 reboot and its sequels, featured star-studded casts and became major box-office successes.
With Chung's departure, the prequel's future now rests on finding a new director to guide the project. The franchise, however, shows no signs of slowing down, as plans for the next main entry move forward. Warner Bros. remains committed to expanding the Ocean's universe with fresh talent and stories.
