Lionsgate’s latest installment in the beloved heist franchise, Now You See Me 3, has pulled off a box office illusion, securing a No. 1 opening with an estimated $20 million to $24 million debut. The film, officially titled Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, marks the third consecutive No. 1 opening for Lionsgate in 2025 and brings back the original cast, including Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, and Dave Franco. Directed by Ruben Fleischer, the film has already generated buzz for its fresh take on the magic caper genre.
A Strong Start and Positive Reception
The film’s opening weekend was powered by a $7.5 million Friday, including $2.1 million in Thursday previews, and is playing in 3,403 theaters across the U.S. Early reviews and audience reactions have been notably positive, with critics giving the film a 60% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and audiences rating it at 83%. This marks the best reception so far in the trilogy, signaling a strong return for the franchise.
The smoothness of the tricks in Now You See Me 3? 10/10. You go just dey speechless. #NYSM3NG Distributed by @Filmoneng pic.twitter.com/j7lKa1ll23
— ninawinner (@ninawinner) November 14, 2025
Social Media Buzz and Fan Excitement
The social media reach for Now You See Me 3 is massive, with nearly 300 million followers across platforms like TikTok, YouTube, X, Instagram, and Facebook. This is a significant leap from the 126.5 million followers for the second installment nine years ago, reflecting the franchise’s enduring popularity and the power of nostalgia. Fans have been vocal about their excitement, with comments like “The OG’s are back” and “We’re so back” trending online. The film’s title, Now You Don’t, has also become a shareable joke, with fans appreciating the clever wordplay and the sense of brand repair.
Box Office Competition and Market Trends
The film’s success comes at a time of intense competition. 20th Century Studios’ Predator: Badlands and Paramount’s reboot of The Running Man are both vying for the second spot, each hovering around $15 million for the weekend. The Running Man is playing in 3,534 theaters and is expected to gross $5.5 million on Friday, while Predator: Badlands is seeing $4 million in its second Friday at 3,725 sites. Despite the competition, Now You See Me 3 stands out with its PG-13 rating, making it a family-friendly option and a date night movie, which broadens its appeal.
Franchise Legacy and Global Appeal
The previous two Now You See Me films earned between 67% and 80% of their global box office from international markets, highlighting the franchise’s global reach. Lionsgate’s strategy of licensing out foreign rights to fund productions has proven effective, with Now You See Me 3 costing over $90 million before marketing and distribution expenses.
Critical and Audience Insights
Critics and audiences alike have praised the film for its blend of nostalgia and innovation. The return of the original cast has reignited fan enthusiasm, with many describing the film as “comfort-food spectacle.” The social media chatter, positive word of mouth, and strong box office performance suggest that Now You See Me 3 has successfully captured the magic that made the franchise a hit in the first place.
What’s Next for the Franchise
As the film continues to perform well, the future of the Now You See Me franchise looks bright. The strong opening and positive reception indicate that audiences are eager for more magic and mystery, and Lionsgate is well-positioned to capitalize on this momentum. With a blend of nostalgia, fresh storytelling, and global appeal, Now You See Me 3 is set to leave a lasting impression on fans and newcomers alike.