The 'Now You See Me' franchise is making a grand return with its latest installment, 'Now You See Me: Now You Don't', which premiered at the prestigious Golden Rooster festival in Beijing and Xiamen on November 13, 2025. This highly anticipated sequel brings back the iconic Four Horsemen, now joined by new illusionists, as they plan to steal the world's largest diamond from a corrupt corporate heir. The film's premiere was a spectacle, featuring Chinese magicians who performed tricks from the movie while incorporating traditional Chinese magic elements, captivating audiences with a unique blend of art and entertainment.
Directed by Ruben Fleischer and starring an all-star cast including Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, Rosamund Pike, and Morgan Freeman, the movie draws inspiration from traditional Chinese magic, props, and Eastern aesthetics, wisdom, and mystery. Fleischer noted that the modern Robin Hood spirit in the story resonates with Chinese audiences, who have long admired cultural traditions of heroes who take from the unjust rich to give to the deserving poor and champion the oppressed.
The 'Now You See Me' franchise has been a hit in China, with the first film grossing 142 million yuan in 2013 and the sequel, 'Now You See Me 2', featuring Chinese pop superstar Jay Chou, reaching 637 million yuan. The two installments earned $351.7 million and $334 million worldwide, respectively. In April 2025, Lionsgate confirmed the development of a fourth installment, with Ruben Fleischer returning as director. 'Now You See Me: Now You Don't' was released in Chinese theaters on November 14, 2025, and is sure to captivate audiences with its thrilling heist narrative and cultural influences.
