After nearly a decade of silence, the Now You See Me franchise has returned with a bang. Lionsgate’s Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, the third film in the series, opened to an impressive $21.3 million domestically. In comparison, Paramount’s big-budget action thriller The Running Man debuted with $17 million, making Lionsgate’s magic-themed sequel the clear winner.
Directed by Ruben Fleischer, the film launched in 3,403 theaters and topped Friday’s chart with $8.4 million, setting the stage for a strong weekend. Initially, industry insiders had predicted a more modest debut in the high teens. However, strong turnout—especially among female audiences, who accounted for 54% of ticket sales—helped push the film past expectations.
A Franchise Reignited
The third installment revives the story of the Four Horsemen, a group of illusionists who use their talents to expose corruption and pull off daring heists. While the original cast remains central, Now You See Me 3 introduces new characters and unexpected twists that expand the universe. As a result, the film’s blend of mystery, spectacle, and social justice continues to resonate with fans, even after a long hiatus.
Despite receiving so-so reviews from critics, including a B+ CinemaScore, the film scored well with audiences. It earned an 80% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which helped drive word-of-mouth buzz and contributed to its box office success.
Global Reach and Future Potential
Internationally, the film grossed $54.2 million across 64 territories, bringing its worldwide total to $75.5 million in its opening weekend. For Lionsgate, this marks a much-needed win after a string of underperforming releases. In addition, with a reported $90 million budget, the film is on track to recoup its costs and potentially pave the way for future installments.
As theaters gear up for the holiday season, Now You See Me 3 has proven that audiences still crave clever storytelling and cinematic sleight of hand. Moreover, its success may inspire other studios to revisit dormant franchises with fresh energy and updated themes.
