Dave Franco astounds audiences with impressive magic card tricks in the new film
“Now You See Me: Now You Don’t,”
which debuted recently in New York and introduces both familiar faces and a new generation of illusionists. The movie reunites the Four Horsemen—J. Daniel Atlas, Merritt McKinney, Henley Reeves, and Jack Wilder—joining forces with new magicians for a daring, diamond-stealing adventure.
New Illusions and a Fresh Lineup Unveiled at the New York Premiere
At the film’s lively New York premiere, returning and new cast members displayed their skills with sleight of hand and performed polished card tricks for attendees. Variety witnessed several actors transform into magicians for the occasion, with the energy and dedication behind the scenes evident in their performances.
Dominic Sessa, who steps into the franchise as Bosco, credited magic consultants Ben Seidman and Handsome Jack for their crucial guidance. Sessa admitted his complete inexperience before filming:
We worked with our magic coaches Ben Seidman and Handsome Jack, and I mean, I didn’t even know how to shuffle cards when I started,
Dominic Sessa, cast member. Intensive practice paid off, as he said,
But by the time I got to set, we were all doing a bunch of different card tricks and vanishes and stuff like that. It was amazing.
Dominic Sessa, cast member.
Both series regulars and newcomers embraced the challenge of mastering new illusions. The franchise’s reputation for intricate magic is heightened in this installment as cast members poured themselves into perfecting authentic tricks.
Stars Reveal Their Struggles and Triumphs With Magic Card Tricks
Dave Franco, who plays Jack Wilder, discussed his own journey into the more technical aspects of card magic this time around.
I’m very good at throwing cards, and so I found new ways to throw cards, which sounds silly, but it’s much harder than you think,
Dave Franco, actor. His commitment went even further:
It’s me in a hotel room for a month learning a hand flourish that is maybe on screen for two seconds.
Dave Franco, actor.
Woody Harrelson, the franchise’s Merritt McKinney, shared how his perspective on magic evolved, stating,
With the other two movies, you’d think I would have gotten into magic, but it was finally this one that I did start to develop more of a passion for it — and now I’d like to say I have a few tricks.
Woody Harrelson, actor.
Isla Fisher, returning as Henley Reeves after missing the previous movie, spoke about the pressure of one particularly challenging sequence:
There was one scene that was seven minutes long that we shot chronologically, and everybody had a trick — or actually had two tricks, but some people had, like, three — and if you messed it up, then you had to reshoot it,
Isla Fisher, actress. She elaborated on the tension of that day:
We shot it over, I think it was a day, and that was the only time that I was like, ‘Come on, Isla, don’t mess up your magic trick, or the whole crew and cast are going to be mad.’
Isla Fisher, actress.
The Return of the Four Horsemen and an Ambitious New Heist
“Now You See Me: Now You Don’t”
follows the original Four Horsemen as they team up with skilled newcomers to steal the legendary Heart Diamond, said to be the largest in the world. The group includes not just returning stars Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, and Dave Franco, but also introduces Dominic Sessa, Ariana Greenblatt, Justice Smith, Lizzy Caplan, and Rosamund Pike, expanding the dynamic of the ensemble.
The movie brings Morgan Freeman and other returning contributors back into the fold, solidifying its connection to earlier installments. This expansive cast displays a diversity of magical prowess and a willingness to take risks for authenticity in their roles.
Crafting Realism Through Magic and Practical Effects
To create the film’s complex illusions, the production enlisted experts from Los Angeles‘ renowned Magic Castle. Their involvement ensured every trick looked and felt authentic. Director Ruben Fleischer emphasized the priority given to practical effects over computer-generated imagery:
I wanted to make sure to use as much practical magic as I possibly could — wanting to do everything in camera and not rely on visual effects or motion graphics or any other tricks to convey the magic,
Ruben Fleischer, director. He continued on his vision:
I wanted it to be as real as possible, as if you had gone to a magic show yourself and just wanted to see a show. They don’t have cuts or edits in magic shows, so I felt very, very lucky to be able to bring it all to life as naturalistically and realistically as possible.
Ruben Fleischer, director.
The dedication to realism sometimes came at a physical cost. Jesse Eisenberg, who reprises his role as J. Daniel Atlas, endured an on-set injury:
The corridor turns 360 degrees, so you’re standing on the floor and suddenly, the floor is on the wall and then it’s the ceiling,
Jesse Eisenberg, actor, recalling a demanding action scene that led to a fractured finger after striking a hard surface. He humorously summed up his experience with the set:
It was the most incredible set I’ve ever gotten to work on. It was also the set that didn’t like me more than any other person or set I’ve ever worked with.
Jesse Eisenberg, actor.
The Movie’s Impact and What Comes Next
With its new roster of talent, fresh illusions, and a deepened commitment to authentic on-screen magic,
“Now You See Me: Now You Don’t”
sets a new high bar for cinematic trickery and spectacle. By bringing together expertise from consultants, coaches, and performers passionately devoted to their craft, the film connects viewers to the magic in an intensely genuine way.
Audiences can now experience these remarkable feats, inventive heists, and character dynamics as the film plays in theaters. Dave Franco’s magic card tricks are at the center of the excitement, capturing the spirit of the Four Horsemen and welcoming a new era for the beloved franchise.
