The third installment of the popular heist film franchise, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, has debuted on digital streaming platforms but has emerged as the lowest-grossing entry in the series. The film has generated approximately $60 million at the domestic box office and just over $200 million globally. This performance stands in stark contrast to its predecessors, which each exceeded $300 million worldwide.
Released in 2013, the original Now You See Me remains the only film in the trilogy to surpass the significant $100 million mark domestically. The disappointing figures for the latest entry not only reflect a decline within the franchise but also highlight its struggles against major hits in the heist genre. For reference, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t earned about half of what the lowest-grossing film in the Ocean’s franchise achieved and only a third of the revenue generated by Ben Affleck’s acclaimed film, The Town.
The Town’s Success Compared to Now You See Me: Now You Don’t
Released in 2010, The Town was both directed by and starred Affleck. Produced on a budget of under $40 million, it garnered approximately $150 million globally, including around $92 million from domestic theaters. The film, which follows a group of bank robbers in Boston, received critical acclaim and boasts a 92% “certified fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The site’s consensus praises the film as “tense, smartly written, and wonderfully cast,” recognizing Affleck’s talent as a director.
In addition to Affleck, The Town featured notable performances from actors such as Rebecca Hall, Blake Lively, and Jon Hamm. Its success not only marked a significant moment in Affleck’s directorial career but also earned Jeremy Renner his second consecutive Academy Award nomination.
Mixed Reception for Now You See Me: Now You Don’t
In contrast, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t has faced mixed reviews since its release. Directed by Ruben Fleischer and featuring a cast that includes Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, and Isla Fisher, the film holds a 61% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The consensus on the site acknowledges the film’s attempt to recapture the franchise’s charm, stating, “Getting the gang back together, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t repeats a lot of the franchise’s familiar tricks, although there’s still charm in seeing these characters pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat.”
As audiences can now enjoy the film from the comfort of their homes, it remains to be seen how it will perform in the streaming market. With expectations set by its predecessors, the latest entry’s performance indicates a shift in audience engagement and interest within the heist genre. For updates on the film and more, viewers are encouraged to stay tuned to entertainment news sources.
