How a Franchise About Magicians Became a Surprise Smash Hit

by

The idea for the movie Now You See Me is surprisingly simple – once you hear it, you wonder why no one thought of it before. A team of magicians uses their skills to rob huge companies and give the money back to the public. Producer Bobby Cohen described it as a Robin Hoodstyle story combined with the clever heist elements of Ocean’s Eleven*. The 2013 film stars Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, and Dave Franco as the Four Horsemen, the magicians who pull off these incredible robberies.

As a film buff, I was really excited to see the return of the Now You See Me franchise! The first film, directed by Louis Leterrier and penned by Ed Solomon and Boaz Yakin, was a huge surprise hit – it made over $350 million worldwide on a relatively small $75 million budget. The sequel, directed by Jon M. Chu in 2016, did almost as well. Now, after nearly ten years, the third installment, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, is finally here, and honestly, it’s just a ridiculously good time at the movies. I highly recommend checking it out this weekend!

What made a film about magicians such a hit in Hollywood? Director Ruben Fleischer, along with Cohen, shares their thoughts on the movie’s success.

Always reveal a magician’s secrets

According to Cohen, people are naturally drawn to magic because it creates a fascinating paradox: we enjoy being tricked, but we’re also intensely curious about how the trick works. The Now You See Me films deliver on both fronts. Unlike real-life magicians who keep their methods secret, these films actually show how the Horsemen pull off their elaborate illusions. This is a smart strategy, as it encourages viewers to rewatch the movies and appreciate the complexity of the plans now that they know the secrets.

Cohen believes the popularity of the films also comes down to the characters themselves, noting audiences enjoy their playful interactions and the satisfying feeling of watching them defeat injustice. Fleischer emphasizes the importance of the cast’s chemistry and the sheer fun the movies provide. He explains the films don’t take themselves too seriously, embracing a playful and over-the-top style that makes them perfect for the big screen. In fact, Fleischer prioritized fun in every shot. This is particularly evident in the casting of Rosamund Pike, who brought a wonderfully over-the-top and villainous energy to her role, elevating the entire production.

An original idea, and real tricks

In a summer filled with sequels and reboots, the Now You See Me movies stand out as being based on original concepts. Looking at the projected top 10 films for 2025, only one (F1: The Movie) isn’t based on existing material. Even expanding to the top 15, there are just three original stories: Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, Final Destination: Bloodlines, and, based on previous performance, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t is expected to become the fourth.

Fleischer quips that there aren’t many heist movies centered around magic. Cohen adds that audiences appreciate the film’s originality, noting it wasn’t adapted from existing material like a comic book, which is a major draw.

Despite the impressive illusions, most of the magic in the first film was achieved practically, using real-world techniques. According to Cohen, the second film relied a bit too much on bigger effects and stunts. For the third film, with Fleischer directing, Cohen and Fleischer prioritized practical magic. They actually built sets like the spinning hallway, the room with altered perspective, and the elaborate magic competition scene, focusing on creating illusions in-camera rather than relying heavily on visual effects.

Though Cohen was instrumental in creating the series, Fleischer was new to the team and focused on making it feel more realistic. He explains, “Coming in as an outsider allowed me to experience it like a regular fan.” He wanted to build on what came before, but also address a question he saw raised online: could the tricks actually be performed by a skilled magician, or did they rely on something more fantastical? He aimed to keep the focus on impressive skill, rather than seeming like outright magic, like controlling the weather.

Early reviews criticized the film for relying on obvious illusions, but director Fleischer insists those claims are false. He emphasizes that all the magic is genuine, performed by real magicians and completely legitimate. He’s surprised this wasn’t clear and hopes that upon rewatching, audiences will find everything believable and authentic.

According to Cohen, computer graphics in the movie are primarily used for final polishing. They’re used to remove minor imperfections, like visible wires or strings used in illusions. For example, if a character magically produces a diamond, the visual effects team will remove any evidence of how the trick was done, ensuring a seamless illusion.

A genuine passion for illusion

Even though the events in Now You See Me are incredibly unbelievable, the movie feels authentic because it’s rooted in real magic. This is largely due to the filmmakers, Cohen and Fleischer, having a true love and understanding of magic and illusion.

Fleischer used to dismiss magic as simple entertainment for kids’ parties. However, a visit to the Magic Castle in Los Angeles changed his mind. Seeing magic performed at such a skilled level captivated him, and he enjoyed the feeling of childlike wonder it evoked, something he hadn’t felt in a long time. He was particularly impressed by Helder Guimarães, a close-up magician from Portugal, who later helped with the film. Cohen, on the other hand, has always been fascinated by magic. When he was seven, his grandfather brought him to a magic convention where he bought some tricks and spent hours practicing them for his family.

One of the most impressive things about the movie Now You See Me is how it makes magicians seem exciting and appealing. According to Cohen, magicians aren’t usually seen as particularly glamorous entertainers. So, the filmmakers decided to present them as a modern, energetic group—like a rock band—instead of a traditional, old-fashioned act. A large magic show is inherently dramatic and playful, and it’s about enjoying the feeling of wonder and being amazed, like a child.

The newest film perfectly embodies what the entire series is all about – pure, unadulterated fun, a principle championed by Fleischer. According to Cohen, this enjoyment is contagious. “You can really feel the actors having a blast, and that adds an extra layer of fun for the audience,” he explains. “That’s really the key to its success.”

Read More

2025-11-15 01:08