(Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Sony Pictures Entertainment)

Ruben Fleischer to Direct Now You See Me 3, Issues Statement

Following the major success of the 2016 sequel, a third entry in the Now You See Me franchise is coming, as Lionsgate has officially announced that Ruben Fleischer will direct the third installment.

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Now You See Me 3 will see Fleischer (Venom, Uncharted, Zombieland) helm the upcoming film from a screenplay written by Seth Grahame-Smith (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies). Bobby Cohen, alongside Alex Kurtzman of Secret Hideout, will produce the new installment. Meredith Wieck and Chisom Ude are overseeing the project for Lionsgate.

While no official casting announcements have been made, a statement by Fleischer on joining the project seems to confirm that Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson — who starred in both films — would be returning to the project for its third entry. It’s unclear at the moment if other stars who have appeared in both films, including Mark Ruffalo, Dave Franco, Michael Caine, and Morgan Freeman, will appear in this film in any capacity.

“There are three things in this world I absolutely love … Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, and magic,” said Fleischer in a statement. “To have the chance to work with these two talented actors, as well as rest of the incredible cast of the Now You See Me movies, is a dream come true. I am a lifelong fan of heist movies — I love getting drawn in by the twists and the mystery where nothing is what it seems. And that’s even more true when the thieves are magicians — the opportunities are endless. Eric was able to unlock a fresh and exciting way into a new movie and fun new characters, so I’m excited to dig in even further.”

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Originally premiering with the first film in 2013, the Now You See Me franchise tells the story of a team of illusionists named “The Four Horsemen” that pull off seemingly impossible heists. A sequel to the original film was released in 2016, and combined, both films have earned $687 million worldwide.

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