Justin Willman reveals how he turns magic skeptics into believers: ‘The trick itself is never enough’

Regardless of the bright sunlight, there’s something enchanting about the sacred spaces within the Magic Castle in Hollywood that can make even the most skeptical and unyielding individuals feel bewitched by the allure of magic and illusion.

Within the William W. Larsen Memorial Library, there’s an almost tangible aura of wonder as you navigate through the book-lined shelves filled with tomes on magic, admire the intricate mosaic stained glass, and discover photos of the Larsen family founders, along with renowned magicians who have walked its halls.

One afternoon recently, comedy magician Justin Willman lounges on a luxurious, wine-red velvet chair reminiscent of a sorcerer’s throne, feeling the weight of history in a location famed for its magical texts touched by Harry Houdini.

He mentions that there’s just one room in the Enchanted Castle exclusive to non-magical beings, which is quite unusual. However, he warns you, ‘You can’t even glance at an open book here.’

In the spirit of not inviting any extra curses this week, we take him at his word.

Despite the fact that magic is a serious matter for the leading star of the popular Netflix series “Magic for Humans” and the recent “Magic Prank Show,” Willman’s latest special, “Magic Lovers,” focuses on tapping into our inner child’s sense of wonder with cleverly done tricks. These tricks guide the audience’s thoughts in unexpected ways while providing plenty of amusement throughout the journey.

Starting next Tuesday, I’ll be featuring in an hour-long special that blends stand-up comedy, storytelling, and magic drawn from everyday experiences, aiming to captivate both skeptics and enthusiasts right from their sofas. I recently chatted with The Times about the ideas behind this new production, my most profound on-stage moments, funny mishaps from previous shows, and the secret to ensuring my illusions remain grounded in reality.

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This conversation was edited for length and clarity.

In your Netflix special, you blend humor and magic in a way that appeals to both fans of magic and those who are skeptical. How does “Magic Lovers” provide an enjoyable magical experience for spectators who appreciate magic, while also catering to those who want to understand the tricks behind your acts?

When someone hears the word “magic”, they often arrive at the theater with preconceived notions about the art form. Some people are already fans of magic and eagerly anticipate it, which I appreciate. However, those who accompany them might perceive magic as a puzzle or a challenge, or even question whether the performer truly believes he’s a wizard. To address that lingering doubt, I prefer to tackle the elephant in the room immediately. My goal isn’t necessarily to convert skeptics into magic enthusiasts, but rather to assure them that this show is meant for everyone.

I enjoy performing tricks where the audience thinks they have figured out how I do it, only to reveal that their assumptions are incorrect. It’s like a mini roller-coaster ride of anticipation and surprise.

How do you view the relationship between magic and comedy?

In essence, my live show feels as if it’s closely related, yet distinct. Now, I believe that the performance has reached a point where it resonates with those viewing at home on TV. The reason being, magic is an art form best appreciated in real-time. Doubts and uncertainties can creep in when you’re not physically present to witness it. In today’s world, with AI and deepfakes becoming prevalent, the allure of live magic has grown even stronger. I aimed to create an experience for those watching on Netflix that would make them feel as if they were seated in the theater that very night, making them part of the audience.

Intrigued by your penchant for numbers, particularly your ability to accurately guess the cities connected to ZIP codes shouted from the audience during the show’s special, I’m curious about how this fascination developed into such proficiency. How did you become so engrossed in this skill?

Growing up, I found it intriguing how math and magic seemed to intertwine. This fascination never waned. Upon graduating from college, however, my focus shifted as I embarked on a nationwide tour, performing on the NACA circuit across various campuses in the United States. In no time at all, I had visited every state. During this journey, my passion for ZIP codes and identifying people’s origins resurfaced and eventually became an integral part of my act. People seem to appreciate being recognized for their hometown, and there’s a certain nostalgia associated with it. Mixing the real with the illusory in my performances adds an extra layer of curiosity, making audiences ponder, “What’s going on with that guy?

What’s your thought process when it comes to developing a magic trick?

There isn’t always a single, straightforward approach. Occasionally, an idea will appear fully developed, and I find myself exclaiming, “Ah, I understand!” Typically, this occurs due to an experience in my life, such as when my son Jack asked me about inflation. In that moment, I felt inspired to create a magical explanation because I believed it would resonate with others. Parents know all too well the challenging questions their children ask. Other ideas simmer for years before they’re ready to be brought to fruition. Sometimes, an idea captivates me, and I yearn to develop something around it, but I don’t always know what that something is or its purpose. For instance, I’ve been fascinated with time travel for a while, and I believe I’ve finally devised a trick that will authentically simulate time travel on stage – an endeavor I’m eager to share soon. However, the trick itself is merely the foundation; it must also serve as a vehicle for some concept, whether it be humor, personal anecdotes, or sincerity. The key lies in finding an angle that offers a unique perspective on a popular topic, which can be enhanced by the trick itself. This balance of elements makes up my secret recipe, and achieving it all at once can be challenging.

Are you more inclined to analyze and question the magic performed by another magician, much like a skeptic might do, or are you more captivated by the magic itself, appreciating it as a lover of magic?

I make an effort to appreciate the art of magic wholeheartedly, just as one immerses oneself fully in captivating journalism or excellent literature, suspending one’s critical editor/writer mindset. When a performance transports me, it provides a delightful experience. While I understand many aspects of magic, it is the joy of being deceived that initially sparked my desire to become a magician myself. Consequently, I strive not to analyze it too deeply.

In your performance, you occasionally invite children onto the stage. As a father myself, I’m curious to know what it is about young audience members that makes them exceptional participants in a magical show, and why they serve as such a distinctive wellspring of inspiration for magic?

As someone who kick-started my career entertaining at children’s birthday parties, I’ve grown quite fond of performing for young audiences. Then came my stint on the comedy club circuit, where instead of kids, there were tipsy adults. In many ways, both groups share similarities – they’re honest and unfiltered in their responses. Many assume that it’s a breeze to captivate children, but they couldn’t be more wrong! Kids are incredibly perceptive, often proving to be a challenge when it comes to misdirection or predictable psychological manipulation.

What’s fantastic about it is that during my tours, I cater to a diverse audience – families, couples, even date nights, and everyone in between. Performing tricks for children, as I did at the end of the [special], allows them to forget they’re being filmed and behave naturally. The look of wonder and excitement on their faces when I astound them or when they contribute to something that amazes the audience brings back a little piece of everyone’s childhood. It’s not just a kids’ show; it’s a show for all humanity. Parents often find themselves reconnecting with their own youth when they have children, and I believe we tend to become more cynical as we age. However, remembering the pure joy and wonder of childhood is always refreshing.

And if you turn a fan’s $1 bill into $100, I’m sure they’ll be a fan for life.

Indeed, that’s correct, however, if you manage to increase their $100 into just $1, they’re likely to be eagerly awaiting your arrival once the performance concludes.

Has there been an instance when a trick you were performing didn’t go as planned, leaving you to apologize to an audience member and offer them a $100 compensation instead?

In simpler terms, the original passage conveys that one should always try to keep going despite mistakes and never admit failure until it becomes inevitable. The speaker recounts an incident from their past when they were performing at a birthday party in Burbank, California, after moving to L.A., where a bird used during their act flew away due to a gust of wind. Instead of stopping the show or revealing the mishap, the speaker acted as if it was part of the performance and promised the parents they would return with a ladder to retrieve the bird later. However, by the time they returned, a hawk had snatched the bird during the birthday song. The speaker could have made light of the situation by claiming it was part of the act, but instead chose to avoid working with animals in the future and now focuses on human performances only.

The main idea is that we should continue even when things go wrong and never consider ourselves failures until there’s no other choice. The author shares an anecdote about a time they performed at a birthday party in Burbank, California, where a bird used in their act flew away due to wind. Instead of stopping the show or informing the audience, they acted like it was part of the performance and promised to return later with a ladder to retrieve the bird. However, when they came back, a hawk had taken the bird while the children were singing “Happy Birthday.” Although they could have joked about the incident, they chose to stop working with animals and focus on human performances instead.

Why have you decided now seems the perfect moment to compile a unique presentation showcasing your lifelong magical skills, and what are your expectations for the audience’s takeaway from this event?

The aim is to provide an experience where people can make cherished memories at the show, something they can eagerly anticipate and later reminisce about fondly. For instance, “Remember when grandma and grandpa were there, and we all gathered together?” Moments like these etch smiles in our minds forever. Thus, being a part of such an event is unique.

This marks my debut on Netflix, where I’ll be showcasing my magic skills on stage – something I do most frequently but on the streets. While you might not seek out a magician on the street, seeing it performed on stage can spark curiosity, making you think, “I want to be part of that audience.” Here’s hoping this is the sentiment people share, as I look forward to potentially fostering a fresh group of skeptics and magic enthusiasts, inviting them along for an unforgettable journey.

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2025-06-16 21:31