Bradley Cooper’s ‘Ocean’s’ Prequel Starts Filming in Europe

UPDATE: Wagner Moura has confirmed that shooting has kicked off on “Oceans.”

EARLIER: That Bradley Cooper-directed “Ocean’s Eleven” prequel continues to build momentum, steadily expanding its ensemble as it inches closer to production.

According to THR, Vicky Krieps (“Phantom Thread”), George MacKay (“1917”), Omar Sy (“Les Intouchables”), and Lauren Ridloff (“The Walking Dead”) have joined the ensemble for Warner Bros’ “Oceans.” The names join a cast that already includes Bradley Cooper, Margot Robbie, Wagner Moura, Monica Barbaro, and Josh Gad.

Cooper is directing, writing, starring, and producing. The film is expected to begin production in late July in Paris before moving to the south of France. Given the story’s 1962 setting and its connection to the Monaco Grand Prix, production will likely also spend time along the French Riviera near the principality of Monaco.

Cooper completely rewrote Carrie Solomon’s original screenplay alongside newcomer Charles Randolo. The story has Cooper and Robbie playing the parents of Danny Ocean, the character portrayed by George Clooney in Steven Soderbergh’s “Ocean’s Eleven.” Moura plays the film’s villain.

Last week, I had reported that Linus Sandgren (“La La Land”) suddenly dropped out as cinematographer and has been replaced by Ben Davis, who shot Martin McDonagh’s last four films, including “The Banshees of Inisherin” and the upcoming “Wild Horse Nine.” A June 25, 2027 release date has been set for “Oceans.”

This will be Cooper’s fourth directorial effort after “A Star Is Born,” “Maestro,” and “Is This Thing On?”

With production now gearing up across Paris and the Mediterranean coastline, the film is positioning itself with a strong lineup of talent both behind and in front of the camera. I’d keep an eye out for this one — which is reported to have a budget of around $100M. We’ll see if it was money well spent.