‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’ Review Roundup – Critics Give Sequel a Mixed Reception

The upcoming heist film Now You See Me: Now You Don’t is generating attention as it nears its U.S. release on November 14. Directed by Ruben Fleischer, the movie is the third installment in the Now You See Me series and a direct sequel to Now You See Me 2 from 2016.

The screenplay is by Michael Lesslie, Paul Wernick, Rhett Reese, and Seth Grahame-Smith, based on a story by Lesslie and Eric Warren Singer.

The film brings back the main cast from previous movies, including Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, and Morgan Freeman.

New additions to the cast are Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, Ariana Greenblatt, and Rosamund Pike. Mark Ruffalo also returns, reprising his role as Dylan Rhodes, a former FBI agent and leader of the secret society known as the Eye. Pike plays Veronika Vanderberg, the movie’s main antagonist and head of a global crime syndicate.

In the story, the Four Horsemen reunite to pull off another high-stakes heist. This time, they recruit three talented new illusionists to steal the world’s largest queen diamond from a powerful criminal family. The film promises more magic, elaborate tricks, and action-packed sequences.

The FINAL trailer for #NowYouSeeMe: Now You Don’t. In theaters November 14. Get tickets now. pic.twitter.com/dkRYn8j3Ob

— Now You See Me (@NYSMmovie) November 3, 2025

Early reviews are in, and Now You See Me: Now You Don’t currently has a 63% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 16 reviews. Critics generally liked the magic tricks, action, and playful moments that fans have come to expect from the franchise. Some enjoyed the nostalgia of seeing the original cast return and found the film entertaining if expectations were kept low.

Those keeping their expectations low and their brain on its lowest settings are likely to be entertained.

Lucas Hill-Paul

If you love this franchise for the fun magic tricks and the sometimes cheesy jokes, you’re in for a great time and hey, what if we make more of these movies just for fun?

Rachel Leishman

I felt, if not magic, a generous dash of cinematic enchantment. Let’s make four more of these things.

Kate Erbland

The movie still includes plenty of exciting action sequences and fun magic tricks.

Glenn Garner

This is pretty much more of the same of what we saw from the franchise before, and no amount of good acting could ever make it any less ridiculous, but let’s not begrudge anyone the right to be entertained by a little bit of unapologetic nonsense.

Linda Marric

At the same time, critics pointed out several weaknesses. Many felt the story was predictable and lacked the energy and surprise that made the first movie so exciting. Some reviewers said it was less engaging than previous films and felt dull at times.

Others mentioned that the film relies too much on past successes without bringing fresh ideas, making it feel familiar rather than exciting.

Its most impressive feat, however, is finding a way to somehow be even duller than its predecessors.

Nick Schager

For a franchise built on surprise and misdirection, the spectacle of Now You See Me: Now You Don’t is all too familiar and lacking in the sheer gusto and ridiculous flair that made the original movie such a hit.

Sarah-Tai Black

Ultimately, “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” is never quite as much fun as you expect it to be, particularly when Pike isn’t on screen. Despite a character intoning that we all “need magic more than ever,” this movie didn’t have enough of it.

Moira MacDonald

Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson et al return to join Dominic Sessa and others in a convoluted trick of hollow nostalgia.

Gregory Nussen

Incoming director Ruben Fleischer keeps the action coming at a steady clip. But nearly 10 years after the last sequel, Now You Don’t fails to make the franchise’s limitations disappear.

Tim Grierson

Overall, it seems that fans of the series will likely enjoy the movie for its tricks and familiar characters, but those looking for new surprises or deeper storytelling may find it disappointing.

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