Lee Isaac Chung, the acclaimed director behind Minari and the recent hit Twisters, is now in advanced talks to direct a highly-anticipated prequel to the iconic ‘Ocean’s’ franchise, according to Variety.
A Director with Range and Vision
Chung has already proven his talent by moving seamlessly between deeply personal indie films and large-scale commercial cinema. He earned Oscar nominations for directing and writing Minari, a touching immigrant story. Now, with Twisters under his belt, he’s drawing interest from big Hollywood studios for blockbuster projects.
If finalized, this Ocean’s prequel would give Chung the opportunity to explore a stylish, fast-paced heist world while adding his own emotional depth and cinematic touch.
New Story, Familiar Legacy
The script is being written by Carrie Solomon, known for the rom-com A Family Affair, starring Zac Efron and Nicole Kidman. This new film is set to explore the early days of the world made famous by George Clooney and Brad Pitt in the original Ocean’s trilogy.
The characters will be drawn from those created by George Clayton Johnson and Jack Golden Russell, whose work inspired the original Ocean’s 11 (1960) and its modern reboot.
A Proven Global Franchise
The Ocean’s films have been massively successful, combining witty dialogue, sharp direction, and an A-list ensemble. The original trilogy (Ocean’s 11, 12, and 13) starred George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Julia Roberts, while the spinoff Ocean’s 8 featured a female-led cast, including Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, and Anne Hathaway.
All together, these movies have grossed over $1.4 billion worldwide, making the prequel a promising addition to the franchise’s legacy.
More Projects for Chung
Beyond Minari and Twisters, Chung has a growing list of accomplishments. He directed the critically praised Munyurangabo, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. He’s also worked on major television titles like The Mandalorian and Skeleton Crew, expanding his reputation within both independent and mainstream media.
He’s also been tapped to direct a film adaptation of the sci-fi novel Traveler by Joseph Eckert, further showcasing his versatility across genres.
Recent Recognition and Awards
Earlier this year, Chung received a $20,000 award from the Sloan Science in Cinema Initiative at the San Francisco International Film Festival for his work on Twisters. This recognition highlights how his storytelling often blends science, emotion, and impactful visuals. A separate $5,000 prize was also given to filmmaker Cyprien Vial for Magma at the same event.
What’s Next for the Prequel?
While Lee Isaac Chung is reportedly close to sealing the deal, the official cast has yet to be announced. Given the franchise’s history of star-studded line-ups, speculation is already building around who might lead this new chapter.
Additionally, Variety reports that the studio is moving swiftly with development, eager to build on the Ocean’s brand and perhaps launch a new series of prequel films.
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