AceShowbiz - The much-anticipated Margot Robbie starring Ocean's Eleven prequel has encountered another setback at Warner Bros., as its director has departed the project. Last year, the film appeared to be gaining momentum when Oscar-nominated filmmaker Lee Isaac Chung was announced to helm the project, working from a script by Carrie Solomon.

The announcement marked a significant shift in the creative direction of the stylish heist franchise, which is being developed under Robbie's LuckyChap production company. However, recently it was confirmed that Chung has amicably exited the project due to “creative differences,” according to a Warner Bros. spokesperson.

In a joint statement, representatives from both Warner Bros. and LuckyChap praised Chung’s contributions, saying, "Lee Isaac is a singular filmmaking talent whose vision and partnership have been invaluable to Warner Bros. and LuckyChap throughout this journey. Our experience with him has only deepened our enthusiasm to collaborate on future projects together." The search for a new director is now underway as the studio aims to bring the Ocean's franchise back to theaters without further delay.

Finding a filmmaker capable of living up to the legacy established by previous directors such as Lewis Milestone and Steven Soderbergh remains a considerable challenge. Chung was regarded as a major acquisition for the project, having demonstrated his ability to handle both blockbuster and critically acclaimed works. His 2020 film Minari earned him Academy Award nominations for Best Director and Original Screenplay, along with wins at the Critics' Choice and Golden Globe Awards. The film also brought Youn Yuh-jung her historic first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.

Following Minari, Chung directed Twisters, a reimagining of the classic disaster film Twister, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glenn Powell. The film was met with strong reviews and grossed an impressive $372.2 million worldwide at the box office. Chung also expanded his experience to the Star Wars universe by directing episodes of the shows The Mandalorian and Skeleton Crew.

Despite the change in leadership, Warner Bros. continues to prioritize the Ocean's Eleven prequel. While specific plot details remain confidential, it is confirmed that Robbie will both star and produce the film, which will draw from characters originally created by George Clayton Johnson and Jack Golden Russell.

The Ocean's franchise has been a lucrative property for Warner Bros., with the modern trilogy featuring stars like George Clooney and Brad Pitt, along with the 2018 female-led Ocean's 8 starring Anne Hathaway and Sandra Bullock, collectively earning over $1.4 billion at the box office. Since the last installment, there have been no new releases, making this prequel a highly anticipated addition.

Warner Bros.’ recent acquisition by Paramount has increased the urgency to revive the franchise. Alongside the prequel, there are plans for Ocean's Fourteen to begin filming in October, reuniting the original cast under director David Leitch.

Fans and industry observers will be watching closely as Warner Bros. seeks a new director who can uphold the franchise's reputation and deliver a fresh yet faithful addition to the Ocean's saga. The studio remains committed to moving the project forward and bringing Robbie's vision to the big screen as soon as possible.

Stay tuned to Collider for further updates on the Ocean's Eleven prequel and ongoing developments within this iconic heist franchise.