Now You See Me 3 Targets Strong Box Office Debut With Over 20 Million Opening Weekend Projection

Lionsgate appears set for another successful release as Now You See Me 3 moves toward an opening weekend estimated between 20 and 24 million dollars. Early numbers show the film taking an estimated 7.5 million dollars on Friday, including 2.1 million from Thursday previews, a promising start for the latest entry in the magician heist franchise.

Directed by Ruben Fleischer, the new chapter brings back the core ensemble of Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, and Dave Franco. Early audience reactions are notably stronger than those for previous installments, with the film sitting at 60 percent with critics and 83 percent with audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. This positive sentiment is supported by a significant social media footprint, with the cast and film generating nearly 300 million impressions across major platforms.

Industry analysts note that nostalgia is driving much of the excitement, particularly as long time fans celebrate the return of familiar characters. Promotional momentum has also been aided by the film’s title reveal, which has resonated with audiences and helped revive interest in the brand.

If current projections hold, the film could become Lionsgate’s third number one opening of the year. It follows the studio’s strong performance with the John Wick spinoff Ballerina, which opened with 24.5 million dollars in June despite mixed box office results in the weeks that followed.

Now You See Me 3 enters a competitive marketplace. Paramount’s reboot of The Running Man and 20th Century Studios’ Predator: Badlands are also tracking near the top of the weekend chart, with both expected to land around the 15 million mark. The PG 13 rating for Lionsgate’s release gives it a wider audience reach compared with the R rating for Running Man, which could prove decisive as families return to theaters ahead of the holiday season.

The Now You See Me franchise has historically performed strongly overseas, generating between 67 and 80 percent of its global total from international markets. With Thanksgiving approaching and audience interest trending upward, the film is expected to have steady momentum beyond opening weekend.

Lionsgate continues to position the series as a key global property, supported by an international financing model and consistent brand recognition. As early numbers suggest a strong debut, Now You See Me 3 is shaping up to deliver one of the more notable box office performances heading into the final weeks of the year.