The Stephen King movie 2025, specifically the adaptation The Long Walk, has been outperformed at the domestic box office by Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, which claimed a significant lead in its third weekend in theaters. Audiences flocked to see Now You See Me 3, pushing its domestic gross past that of The Long Walk, despite the King film’s critical acclaim and strong audience support.
Now You See Me 3 Takes the Lead at the Box Office
Now You See Me: Now You Don’t has solidified its presence as a major theatrical success, earning $42.6 million in the United States and bringing its total worldwide earnings to $152 million. This impressive figure surpasses the total domestic revenue of The Long Walk. The movie’s international appeal is also evident, with $109.4 million coming from overseas markets. Even with recent releases entering theaters, Now You See Me 3 has demonstrated staying power, enjoying continued audience interest in cinemas across America.
The critical reception for Now You See Me: Now You Don’t has been mixed. According to aggregate scores, critics awarded it a moderate 61% on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences were more approving, giving it a robust 81% on the Popcornmeter. This divide highlights how audiences, including fans of Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, and Dave Franco, are turning out in large numbers even when critics remain ambivalent. Directed by Ruben Fleischer with contributions from screenwriters Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Michael Lesslie, Seth Grahame-Smith, and Eric Warren Singer, the film is expected to play in theaters for several more weeks before its eventual digital release.
The Long Walk Delivers Critical Excellence, but Lags in Box Office Numbers
The Long Walk, recognized as the standout Stephen King movie 2025, currently holds a Certified Fresh rating of 88% among critics and an 85% audience score. Many have praised it as a high-quality adaptation, with some considering it superior to its original source material. However, despite acclaim and positive word-of-mouth, the film did not achieve the same commercial reach as Now You See Me 3. The Long Walk features rising talents David Jonsson, known for his role in Alien: Romulus, and Cooper Hoffman, notable for his work in Licorice Pizza, rather than established box office stars.
Future Streaming Plans for Now You See Me: Now You Don’t
Lionsgate has not yet provided official details on when Now You See Me: Now You Don’t will be available for streaming, or which digital platform will host its debut. While Starz remains Lionsgate’s main streaming partner and is a likely destination, possibilities also include Netflix or HBO Max. Currently, MovieSphere by Lionsgate holds the first two installments of the franchise, making it uncertain if this pattern will continue. Typically, a brief window for video-on-demand exclusivity will precede a streaming release, which is projected for early next year.
Key Cast and Creative Team Behind Now You See Me 3
Now You See Me: Now You Don’t brings a notable ensemble to the screen, with Jesse Eisenberg portraying J. Daniel Atlas and Woody Harrelson in the role of Merritt McKinney. Dave Franco and additional cast members round out the film’s lineup. The creative team features director Ruben Fleischer, while the screenplay showcases the collaborative work of Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Michael Lesslie, Seth Grahame-Smith, and Eric Warren Singer, providing fresh storytelling for returning and new audiences alike.
With fierce competition between box office hits and critically acclaimed adaptations, the performance of Now You See Me: Now You Don’t against The Long Walk demonstrates the unpredictable nature of audience preferences and the ongoing influence of established franchises. Both titles are expected to remain part of cinematic discussion as they transition to digital platforms and wrap up their runs in theaters.
