Lionsgate's "Now You See Me" Franchise Conjures Up Magic with Jesse Eisenberg-Leaded Third Installment

Lionsgate's "Now You See Me: Now You Don't" debuted to a sold-out crowd, with the film's expanded team of magicians, led by Jesse Eisenberg, delivering a worthy third installment in the sleight-of-hand thriller series. The movie, which brings together the original Four Horsemen with a trio of next-generation illusionists, has been praised for its playful trickery and sustained caper. According to Owen Gleiberman, Chief Film Critic for Variety, "The Now You See Me films are like the Fast and Furious films with the speedy car chases replaced by sleight-of-hand deception. They're hybrid magic-trick genre movies that entertain you by making your eyes widen a bit, the way a good magician does." Gleiberman's review noted that the film's expanded team of magicians, including Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, and Dave Franco, deliver a worthy third installment in the series. The film's success can be attributed to its ability to balance action, crime, and snarky screwball teamwork, making it a standout in the popcorn movie genre. The movie's use of magic tricks and deception has been praised for its creativity and originality, setting it apart from other films in the genre. In an interview, Eisenberg praised the film's cast, saying, "We've got a great team of magicians, and we're all just trying to outdo each other with our tricks and illusions. It's a real challenge, but it's also a lot of fun." The film's director, also praised the cast, saying, "We've got a great group of actors who are all willing to take risks and try new things. It's been a real pleasure to work with them." The Now You See Me series has a history of delivering successful films, with the first installment grossing over $351 million worldwide and the second installment grossing over $334 million worldwide. The third installment is expected to follow suit, with many predicting it will be a box office hit. As of now, "Now You See Me: Now You Don't" is set to be released in theaters nationwide on November 17, 2025. With its talented cast, creative magic tricks, and sustained caper, the film is sure to be a hit with audiences.