Even after all this time, The Four Horsemen still have some magic left in them.
Now You See Me: Now You Don’t takes place ten years after the team last disappeared into the night. When The Four Horsemen appear to re-emerge on the public stage, Danny Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg) quickly calls out the young magicians who have brought their name back from the dead. Having drawn the attention of The Eye, the new rebellious illusionists (Dominic Sessa, Ariana Greenblatt and Justice Smith) are forced to team with Atlas on a heist that could change the world. However, when things get out of hand, the remaining Horsemen (Dave Franco, Isla Fisher and Woody Harrelson) also come out of retirement to use their abilities to bring down the evil heiress (Rosamund Pike) who stands in their way.
Directed by Ruben Fleischer, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t is a return to form for a franchise that still manages to enchant audiences. Once again bouncing around with mystical glee, this group of magical mysterios still seem to carry the same level of enthusiasm for the series that they have for the last decade.
Ariana Greenblatt as June, Justice Smith as Charlie, Dominic Sessa as Bosco, and Jesse Eisenberg as Daniel Atlas in NOW YOU SEE ME: NOW YOU DON’T. Photo Credit: Shane Mahood
As veterans of the first three films, Eisenberg, Franco and Harrelson once again energetically step back into their roles of the Horsemen. What’s more, a returning Isla Fisher (among others) also injects a feminine energy into the franchise’s ‘boys club’. What’s more, one can’t deny the bolt of energy infused by its new, younger cast members. As Bosco, Sessa brings a cocky confidence that feels like franchise leadership potential. At the same time, Greenblatt has a sharp wit and intelligence that makes her performance as June McClure endearing.
Yet it’s Smith’s Charlie who steals the film. Charlie is the character who has the most potential for growth and Smith leans into the opportunity. Having worked with CGI Pokemon and dinosaurs, Smith is not new to big popcorn flicks. And, here, he uses that franchise experience to bring something loveable to his performance that actually elevates the film.
In fact, maybe the word ‘lovable’ is the best way to describe the Now You See Me world as a whole.
Even if you don’t adore these films, the truth is that this franchise is hard to hate. They’re fun, rollicking adventures that enjoy twisting the audience around with their CGI magical trickery. (And, without giving any clues or spoilers, thankfully Now You Don’t manages to earn its big reveal in the film’s finale.) No, they don’t always make ‘sense’. Characters switch sides and motivations are blurry at times. But, dangit. They’re a fun ride. Maybe it’s the playfulness of the franchise’s tone. Maybe it’s the magic itself.
Woody Harrelson as Merrit McKinney, Jesse Eisenberg as Daniel Atlas, Dominic Sessa as Bosco, Dave Franco as Jack Wilder, Justice Smith as Charlie, Isla Fisher as Henley Reeves, and Ariana Greenblatt as June in Now You See Me, Now You Don’t. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes
Whatever the reason, there’s something charming about these films that makes them a delightful diversion.
Even so, the real magic of the franchise stems from their interest in operating as a modern band of Robin Hoods. Although the spark and sizzle of the series is the misdirection and magic, the heart of these characters lies with their willingness to use their talents to take down the world’s real baddies. These are men and women who understand that the most devastating tricks are the ones played on the average person at the hands of the uber wealthy. And certainly, that remains the case here as well as they set their sights on the vile Veronika Vanderberg.
As Vanderberg, Pike is positively unhinged as the epitome of the world’s upper crust and elit. Having been born into wealth, Pike plays the role like a mustache-twirling villain. Every move she makes feels underhanded and self-serving. Admittedly, Pike isn’t given much to work with in order to give Veronika any particularly redeeming qualities. (Plus, I must confess that I’m not entirely sure on the accuracy of her accent.) However, one can’t deny that she’s clearly having fun along with the rest of the cast, keeping the tone of the film lighter than it could have been.
Jesse Eisenberg as Daniel Atlas and Rosamund Pike as Veronika in Now You See Me 3. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes
For those looking for deeper subtext, it’s worth noting that one won’t find it here. Even with its heart for global fairness, there’s no particularly grand messaging in Now You Don’t other than reminding us of the social and financial disparity within our culture. The Now You See Me franchise aren’t meant to drive political discourse or point out the world’s failings. They’re not heavily plot-driven pieces that thrive on logic or high-stakes drama. Instead, these popcorn flicks are meant to dazzle us with digital (and practical) trickery as our heroes try to save the world.
And, in doing so, maybe they manage to bring a little magic into our lives as well.
Now You See Me: Now You Don’t is available in theatres on Friday, November 14th, 2025.
