Wagner Moura Joins ‘Ocean’s’ Prequel as the Villain Facing Margot Robbie and Bradley Cooper

The upcoming “Ocean’s” prequel has found the person who will stand in the way of its next big robbery. Wagner Moura is in talks to join the new Warner Bros. movie as the main villain, facing off against stars Margot Robbie and Bradley Cooper.

The project is a new take on the popular “Ocean’s” franchise, but it will not bring back George Clooney or the rest of the modern-era team. Instead, the movie will travel back in time and tell a different story set before Danny Ocean became the famous casino thief fans know.

The film will take place in 1962 during the Monaco Grand Prix, combining the world of racing with the franchise’s signature style of clever plans, expensive locations, and complicated heists.

Margot Robbie and Bradley Cooper are leading the cast, with Cooper also taking on directing duties. Robbie will produce the movie through her company LuckyChap alongside producer Tom Ackerley. Production is expected to begin in late July, starting in Paris before moving to the south of France.

Robbie previously teased the story during CinemaCon through a preview video, revealing that the movie will explore Danny Ocean’s family history. “Before Danny Ocean ever stepped foot in Vegas, two masterminds taught him everything he knows…his parents,” she said.

Robbie and Cooper are expected to play Danny Ocean’s parents, although full character details remain secret. Moura’s role is also being kept quiet, but reports say he will play the film’s main antagonist.

Villains have always been an important part of the “Ocean’s” movies. The original 2001 film featured Andy Garcia as casino owner Terry Benedict, who became the target of Danny Ocean’s famous crew. Later entries introduced other major stars as opponents, including Vincent Cassel in “Ocean’s Twelve” and Al Pacino in “Ocean’s Thirteen.”

Moura joins the project after becoming one of the most talked-about international actors in recent years. He gained worldwide attention through his role as Pablo Escobar in Netflix’s “Narcos,” but his performance in the 2025 drama “The Secret Agent” pushed him even further into the spotlight.

For “The Secret Agent,” Moura received major awards recognition, including a Best Actor win at the Cannes Film Festival and a Golden Globe victory for Best Actor in a Drama. The performance also earned him an Academy Award nomination.

Following that success, Moura has continued taking on major projects. He recently lent his voice to Lucasfilm’s animated series “Maul: Shadow Lord” and will appear alongside Greta Lee in Netflix’s upcoming horror thriller “The Last House,” directed by Louis Leterrier.

The new “Ocean’s” film will be another major step for Moura as he enters a franchise known for its stylish storytelling and famous cast members.

While details about the plot are still being kept secret, the addition of Moura suggests that the prequel will feature a strong opponent for Robbie and Cooper’s characters. With production approaching and a cast full of major names, Warner Bros. appears ready to bring a new generation of thieves and rivals into the “Ocean’s” universe.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!