Though announced in 2016, Now You See Me 3 news was scarce until a few major updates reignited interest in the project. The original Now You See Me was a glossy thriller that involved a team of magicians called the Four Horsemen who pull off a series of daring heists using their skills in illusion, hypnosis, and sleight-of-hand. Now You See Me dazzled with its original concept, strong ensemble, and overall wit, even if critics weren’t all that loving. The sequel found similar success, and a franchise was seemingly blossoming.

Rumors have suggested all manner of developments for Now You See Me 3, from the star-studded cast returning to a totally new story serving as a soft reboot of the franchise. Despite high interest, little has been made about the potential sequel in the years since, and the trilogy-capping film seemed to be totally lost. However, new developments have arrived which seem to suggest that Now You See Me 3 is more than an illusion, and could actually find its way to cinemas in the near future.

Now You See Me 3 Latest News

The most compelling news about the new film is that Now You See Me 3 was officially confirmed by Lionsgate, the distributor that handled the first two movies in the series. Previously, the first inkling that the film was actually going to happen came when director Ruben Fleisher was attached to the project in 2022, and he is no stranger to blockbuster films after directing the likes of Venom and Uncharted.

Now You See Me 3 Is Officially Happening

Now You See Me 2 movie review© Provided by ScreenRant

The announcement from Lionsgate is the first real proof that Now You See Me 3 is officially on the slate, even if adding a director was a big step. The confirmation also comes with a bit of a hint as to what direction the franchise is going, and Lionsgate promised a big shift in tone compared to the first two movies. Fleisher marks the third director to helm a Now You See Me movie, and it is clear that each new filmmaker has left their own stamp on the franchise, and helped to make each individual installment feel like its own standalone work of art.

Louis Leterrier directed Now You See Me and Jon M. Chu directed Now You See Me 2

Now You See Me 3 Cast

The cast of Now You See Me 2© Provided by ScreenRant

The Now You See Me 3 cast is unconfirmed, but it is likely the third movie would try to bring back its star-studded ensemble. The main cast includes Mark Ruffalo, Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, and Dave Franco as the magician heroes. Isla Fisher didn’t return for Now You See Me 2 after starring in the first movie, leading to Lizzy Caplan joining the cast. However, with them playing two different characters, it is entirely possible each of them could return.

Now You See Me 3: Story Details

Mark Ruffalo Now You See Me 2 Character Poster© Provided by ScreenRant

Now You See Me 3 story detail are not yet known, but Now You See Me 2 did leave hints for where the franchise could go from there. The second movie ended with Ruffalo’s character asked to take over the leadership of The Eye, a secret society of magicians while offering the tease that the Horsemen would join the society as well. However, some rumors and theories about Now You See Me 3 suggest it could be a soft reboot, and The Eye gives a perfect opportunity for this.

The star-studded cast of Now You See Me would be difficult to bring back in full for a third time, especially if the studio is looking to keep the budget of the next installment down. Now You See Me 3 could then focus on other magicians in The Eye, forming a new team to follow or even just featuring one lone protagonist. This could also leave the door open for a cameo by Mark Ruffalo’s Dylan while allowing the franchise to go in new directions free from the mythology of the characters of the original movies.

A Chinese Now You See Me Spinoff Was Developed

now you see me 2 jay chou© Provided by ScreenRant

In addition to Now You See Me 3 being announced, it was reported that Lionsgate was developing a Chinese spinoff of the franchise. The film was set to star Jay Chou (The Green Hornet) as his character Li from Now You See Me 2, though it’s unknown if any other actors from the series would have reappeared. Little has been heard about this spinoff since 2016, and it’s currently unclear if it’s still planned.

Now You See Me

Summary: In the 2013 heist movie Now You See Me, a group of magicians known as “The Four Horsemen” perform elaborate heists during their shows. Meanwhile, FBI agent Dylan Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo) and Interpol detective Alma Drey (Mélanie Laurent) track them down to stop them from pulling off their biggest crime yet. Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, and Dave Franco star as the criminals, while Morgan Freeman plays an expert magician and Michael Caine portrays the team’s sponsor.

Budget: $75 million

Cast: Woody Harrelson, Mélanie Laurent, Jesse Eisenberg, Michael Caine, Dave Franco, Morgan Freeman, Common, Isla Fisher, Mark Ruffalo

Director: Louis Leterrier

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime

Release Date: 2013-05-31

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 115 minutes

Writers: Ed Solomon, Edward Ricourt, Boaz Yakin

Studio(s): Lionsgate

Distributor(s): Lionsgate

Sequel(s): Now You See Me 2, Now You See Me 3