This summer’s surprise hit NOW YOU SEE ME is apparently getting a sequel, according to Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer, who says the pic is being “pencilled in” for a 2014 release. In a summer of underperformers (THE LONE RANGER, THE WOLVERINE, PACIFIC RIM), NOW YOU SEE ME has done well for itself, benefitting from a lower budget ($75 million) and a solid, yet affordable cast, making $115 million domestically since its debut and pulling in an impressive $119 million overseas. Feltheimer trumpeted foreign sales as a big piece of the success (which has also helped PACIFIC RIM as well), saying:
“This is a perfect example of how we’re benefiting from the unique international infrastructure of output deals, joint ventures and self-distribution we’ve set in place to maximize value and minimize risk,”
Directed by Louis Leterrier (THE INCREDIBLE HULK), NOW YOU SEE ME starred Woody Harrelson, Mark Ruffalo, Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Mélanie Laurent, Morgan Freeman, and Michael Caine. No word on who may return for the sequel, let alone write and direct, but with the money talkin’ the way it is, the magic will happen (again) regardless it seems. This is one of those summer films I meant to see, but “slipped through the cracks” so I can’t speak to how good it is, but the reviews were split, but it looks like a lot of fun. Now, I WILL see you.
What do you think? Does profit alone merit a sequel?