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Minari Director Exits Ocean's Prequel Project
4 Mar
Summary
- Filmmaker Lee Isaac Chung has departed the Ocean's prequel.
- Warner Bros cites creative differences for the amicable split.
- A search for a new director is now underway for the project.
Lee Isaac Chung, the acclaimed filmmaker behind the two-time Oscar-nominated *Minari*, has departed Warner Bros. and LuckyChap's upcoming Ocean's prequel. Chung had been in development with the film, which stars and is produced by Margot Robbie. A spokesperson for Warner Bros. confirmed the split, describing it as amicable and due to creative differences.
Despite Chung's departure, Warner Bros. and LuckyChap praised his talent and expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations. The Ocean's prequel remains a priority project for Warner Bros. as the company is set to be acquired by Paramount. Carrie Solomon penned the screenplay, based on characters created by George Clayton Johnson and Jack Golden Russell. The Ocean's franchise began in 1960 with the Rat Pack and was rebooted in 2001, grossing over $1.4 billion worldwide across four films. Chung's directorial credits include *Minari*, *Twisters*, *Munyurangabo*, and episodes of *The Mandalorian* and *Skeleton Crew*.
The Warner Bros. acquisition by Paramount is expected to conclude by the end of Q3. Both studios retain the autonomy to greenlight projects independently during the regulatory process. Paramount anticipates a franchise-rich year-end and 2027.
