Margot Robbie’s ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ prequel loses director again over creative differences

Margot Robbie’s highly anticipated Ocean’s Eleven prequel has lost another director, marking yet another setback for the franchise reboot. Lee Isaac Chung, who had stepped in to replace Jay Roach in 2025, has now departed the project, with Warner Bros. and Robbie’s production company, LuckyChap, citing “creative differences” as the reason for the split.

Chung’s exit comes after a series of high-profile changes behind the camera. Initially, Roach, known for directing the Austin Powers films, was attached to the project, with Carrie Solomon from The Good Fight writing the screenplay. Roach left the project in July 2025, and Chung, fresh off his critically acclaimed Minari, was brought in to lead the prequel. Robbie and the studio had also been in discussions with Ryan Gosling to join the cast alongside her, with Bradley Cooper emerging as the leading man opposite Robbie.

In a joint statement, Warner Bros. and LuckyChap praised Chung’s work and expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations. “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 statement read.

The prequel, meant to expand on the franchise originally made famous by Steven Soderbergh, George Clooney, and the Rat Pack, continues to move forward despite the behind-the-scenes turbulence. Clooney has indicated that a new sequel in the Ocean’s franchise is underway, with a “great script” and an approved budget at Warner Bros. Soderbergh is set to return as director for the mainline series, with original stars like Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, and Julia Roberts expected to reprise their roles.

Chung, 44, is no stranger to high-profile projects, having written and directed three films before his breakout 2020 hit Minari, which earned six Academy Award nominations and a win for Youn Yuh-jung. He also ventured into franchise filmmaking with 2024’s Twisters sequel. Roach, meanwhile, has a long career in franchise filmmaking, directing 12 films including the profitable Austin Powers series and political dramas like Bombshell.

The prequel’s frequent leadership changes have sparked speculation about the direction of the film, but Robbie’s commitment to the project remains clear. With the cast still assembling and the studio optimistic, the Ocean’s Eleven universe is expected to continue expanding, even as fans wait to see who will ultimately steer this latest chapter.