Director Lee Isaac Chung, known for his poignant storytelling in Minari, has stepped down from directing Warner Bros.’ Ocean’s prequel. and LuckyChap Entertainment. The decision comes amid creative disagreements during the development phase of the project alongside star Margot Robbie.
Lee Isaac Chung has resigned as director of Warner Bros.’ upcoming “Ocean’s” sequel. and LuckyChap Entertainment, ending his involvement in the project after developing it alongside star and producer Margot Robbie. The director, best known for the Oscar-nominated drama “Minari,” left the film due to creative differences.
The studio confirmed the split while noting that the two sides have parted on amicable terms while the project moves forward in search of a new director.
Lee Isaac Chung is directing from “Ocean’s” prequel project.
According to Deadline, Chung has departed from the planned prequel to the “Ocean’s” series after working on the film in development with Margot Robbie. Warner Bros. confirmed. Change in statement. A Warner Bros. spokesperson said: “This is an amicable split due to creative differences.”
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The studio and Robbie’s production company, LuckyChap, also shared a joint statement praising Chung’s contribution to the project.“Lee Isaac is a unique filmmaking talent, and his vision and partnership have been invaluable to Warner Bros. and LuckyChap along this journey. Our experience with him has only deepened our excitement to collaborate on future projects together.”The film is still in development, and a new director is being sought.
Story details about the introduction have not been revealed. The screenplay was written by Cary Solomon and is based on characters created by George Clayton Johnson and Jack Golden Russell.
The legacy of the “Ocean’s” franchise and the career of Lee Isaac Chung
The “Ocean’s” franchise has a long history in Hollywood. The original Las Vegas heist film debuted in 1960 and featured the Rat Pack, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop. Angela Dickinson also appears in the film.
Director Steven Soderbergh revived the property in 2001 with the film “Ocean’s Eleven.” This version starred George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, and Julia Roberts.
The modern trilogy proved to be a huge success, and was followed by 2018’s “Ocean’s 8” spinoff, led by Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway, and Cate Blanchett. The four films released in the new millennium combined grossed more than US$1.4 billion worldwide.Chung rose to international fame with “Minari,” which earned him Academy Award nominations for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. The film premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award. He later received Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Awards and numerous Academy Award, BAFTA, SAG, and Spirit Award nominations. Yoon Yuh-jung won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
He later directed the reboot “Twisters”, which opened with US$81.2 million domestically and finished with US$267.7 million in the US and US$372.2 million worldwide. His previous film, “Munyurangabo,” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2007, and he has also directed episodes of “The Mandalorian” and “Skeleton Crew.”“Ocean’s” prequel continues development as Warner Bros. moves toward a planned acquisition by Paramount, with both studios still able to greenlight projects independently while the regulatory process continues.
