Now You See Me 3 was announced in 2015, but apart from a few tidbits of news, information about this anticipated sequel has been exceptionally sparse.
After years of mostly radio silence on the production, some fans are probably starting to wonder, “Is Now You See Me 3 canceled?”
Worry not, as we’ve done some digging and uncovered all the confirmed details and everything else you need to know about Now You See Me 3. Luckily, things seem to be looking up for this inventive action franchise.
Now You See Me is a 2013 heist film with a star-studded cast led by Isla Fisher, Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, and Dave Franco (Credit: Lionsgate)
Let’s take a look at everything we know about Now You See Me 3 as we eagerly await the return of this magical heist series.
Now You See Me 3 Story Details
For those unfamiliar with the franchise, the first Now You See Me movie was released in 2013, offering a mixture of stage magic, action-filled heists, and effective comedy.
Jesse Eisenberg as J. Daniel Atlas in the 2013 heist film Now You See Me (Credit: Lionsgate)
It follows a group of magicians known as the “Four Horsemen” as they pull off Robin Hood-style robberies during their shows, rewarding the audience members with stolen cash.
The first movie was a notable success, bringing in over $350 million at the box office against its $75 million budget.
The Four Horsemen of the 2013 heist film Now You See Me: Jesse Eisenberg as J. Daniel Atlas, Isla Fisher as Henley Reeves, Woody Harrelson as Merritt McKinney, and Dave Franco as Jack Wilder (Credit: Lionsgate)
A sequel, simply called Now You See Me 2, arrived in theaters in 2016, expanding the movie’s universe as the Horsemen took on bigger and crazier heists. It added several new characters, including the villainous Walter Mabry, played by Daniel Radcliffe.
Although it wasn’t as big of a hit as the first movie, Now You See Me 2 still performed admirably for critics and fans alike, ending its box office run with over $330 million in ticket sales.
Promotional art for the 2016 heist thriller film Now You See Me 2 (Credit: Lionsgate)
Currently, there are no official details on the Now You See Me 3 story. However, significant work has been done in recent years, with the official script undergoing three different drafts.
For better or worse, the story for the sequel has been created by a group of writers who are completely new to the franchise, which should provide a change of pace.
That said, there’s still plenty of speculation and rumors on what the plot of Now You See Me 3 could entail. One rumor suggests that Lionel Shrike, a character important to the backstory of the original movie, could return from his assumed death and seek revenge.
Others suggest that the third movie will push further into the world of The Eye and their mystical agenda, revealing a worldwide network of magicians turned thieves.
Publicity still featuring the star-studded cast of the 2016 heist thriller film Now You See Me 2 (Credit: Lionsgate)
Who Is Starring in Now You See Me 3?
There are only two actors confirmed to return for Now You See Me 3. If these details are to be believed, Dave Franco will be reprising his role as Jack Wilder, the young gun of the Four Horsemen.
Sir Michael Caine is also set to appear as Arthur Tressler, a wealthy man whose fortune was stolen by the Horsemen and has continued to make their lives difficult.
Dave Franco as Jack Wilder and Sir Michael Caine as Arthur Tressler in the 2013 heist film Now You See Me (Credit: Lionsgate)
Currently, it’s unconfirmed whether or not the rest of the cast will return.
However, director Ruben Fleischer recently stated that he’s excited to work with Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson, suggesting that the actors could come back for Now You See Me 3.
Jesse Eisenberg as J. Daniel Atlas and Woody Harrelson as Merritt McKinney in the 2013 heist film Now You See Me (Credit: Lionsgate)
It wouldn’t be a huge surprise if some characters were recast or changed, as it wouldn’t be a first for the franchise.
In the first film, actress Isla Fisher portrayed Henley Reeves, the lone female member of the Four Horsemen.
However, she was swapped out in the sequel due to scheduling conflicts and replaced with the new character Lula, played by Lizzy Caplan.
Isla Fisher as Henley Reeves in Now You See Me and Lizzy Caplan as Lula in Now You See Me 2 (Credit: Lionsgate)
Of course, there are plenty of interesting rumors swirling around regarding the cast of Now You See Me 3.
In 2017, Benedict Cumberbatch was attached as a supporting character and potential villain, but the script has undergone several revisions since then.
Now You See Me 3 Release Date and Other Details
Fans have been waiting for over seven years for Now You See Me 3, and if recent news is any indication, they might not have to wait much longer.
Ruben Fleischer was hired to direct the movie in late 2022, confirming that the movie is still in production. However, there’s no official release date yet, so we’ll have to cross our fingers and hope for the best.
Promotional art featuring the star-studded cast of Now You See Me 2 (Credit: Lionsgate)
We were big fans of the first two Now You See Me movies, so we really hope that the third film sees the light of day. With any luck, Now You See Me 3 could land in theaters during the latter half of 2023 or early 2024.
But we’ll just have to wait and see if this is all just an elaborate illusion.