After nearly a decade, the magic is back—and it's working. Now You See Me: Now You Don't conjured $21.3 million at the domestic box office in its opening weekend, topping the charts and proving that audiences still have an appetite for high-stakes heists wrapped in sleight-of-hand spectacle. With an additional $54.2 million from 64 international territories—including a strong $19.2 million debut in China—the film's worldwide opening reached $75.5 million, positioning it as a solid win for Lionsgate.
The Numbers Behind the Illusion
The threequel, which hit theaters on November 14, 2025, performed right in line with industry expectations and mirrored the opening of its 2016 predecessor, Now You See Me 2. With a production budget of $90 million, the film is already on track to turn a profit, especially considering the franchise's history of generating approximately 80% of its revenue overseas. As Deadline noted, the global total of $136.3 million makes this the third-biggest entry in the franchise so far.
Director Ruben Fleischer, known for Venom and Uncharted, brings his signature kinetic energy to the film, reuniting original cast members Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, and Dave Franco with franchise veterans Morgan Freeman and Rosamund Pike. The ensemble is bolstered by fresh faces, including Ariana Greenblatt, Justice Smith, and breakout star Dominic Sessa, who play a new generation of illusionists mentored by the original Horsemen.
Mixed Reviews, Magic Chemistry
Critics remain divided. Roger Ebert's site awarded the film a lukewarm review, noting it "evaporates from the mind as soon as it's over," though praised the cast chemistry and lighthearted tone that distinguish it from standard heist fare. Peter Travers of The Travers Take was less generous, giving it two out of four stars and lamenting its lack of originality. Still, as Variety pointed out, the franchise has now grossed over $700 million globally despite "mostly lukewarm reviews," proving that the real magic lies in its audience appeal.
Producer Alex Kurtzman emphasized the collaborative spirit at the film's New York premiere, stating, "We all feel so lucky to be responsible for bringing this franchise back". With a fourth installment already in development, the Horsemen aren't disappearing anytime soon.
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