Josh Gad joins Margot Robbie and Bradley Cooper for star packed ‘Ocean’s 1’ prequel

The period heist film is set around the 1962 Monaco Grand Prix as Warner Bros continues building its ensemble cast

Josh Gad has officially joined the growing ensemble of Warner Bros' untitled Ocean's 11 prequel, adding another familiar face to one of the studio's most anticipated films. Multiple entertainment outlets, including Variety, have reported that Gad has secured a significant role in the project, although specific details about his character remain under wraps.

The film is led by Margot Robbie and Bradley Cooper, who are taking on several responsibilities behind the scenes as well as on screen. Cooper is directing the feature, writing the screenplay and producing, while Robbie is producing through her LuckyChap banner alongside Tom Ackerley, Josey McNamara and Milan Popelka.

Gad joins an increasingly high profile cast that already includes Robbie, Cooper, Wagner Moura and Monica Barbaro. Moura is reportedly playing the film's primary villain, while Barbaro recently signed on following her acclaimed performances in A Complete Unknown and other recent projects.

Although Warner Bros has kept most story details secret, Robbie revealed key information during the studio's CINEMACON presentation earlier this year. She confirmed the prequel will explore the origins of Danny Ocean's parents before the events of the famous heist series. According to Robbie, the story takes place during the 1962 Monaco Grand Prix, where the pair attempt an elaborate and ambitious robbery. The film promises to expand the mythology of the long running franchise by exploring an earlier generation of master thieves.

The Ocean's series has remained one of Hollywood's most successful heist franchises for decades. It began with the original 1960 film starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop before being reinvented by Steven Soderbergh with Ocean's Eleven in 2001. That version starred George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts and an ensemble cast, leading to two sequels. The franchise later expanded with Ocean's Eight, headlined by Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway and Rihanna.

Collectively, the modern Ocean's films have earned more than $1.4bn at the global box office, making the property one of Warner Bros' most valuable film series. The studio is clearly hoping the prequel will continue that success by combining a period setting with an established brand and an award winning cast.

For Gad, the casting adds another major project to an already busy schedule. The actor is set to appear in Space Balls: The New One, return to the Frozen franchise as Olaf, voice characters in future Angry Birds films and feature in the adaptation of Oh, The Places You'll Go. He also recently renewed his overall television deal with 20th Century Television, further strengthening his position across film and television.

The untitled Ocean's 11 prequel is scheduled for release on June 25, 2027. With production preparing to begin and casting continuing to grow, Warner Bros appears to be assembling one of its biggest ensemble films for the coming year.