Now You See Me 2 Overview and Release Details
Now You See Me 2 is a 2016 American heist thriller film and the sequel to the 2013 original. The movie was produced by Summit Entertainment and Lionsgate, with a screenplay by Ed Solomon and a story by Boaz Yakin and Edward Ricourt. The film features an ensemble cast led by Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Lizzy Caplan, and Morgan Freeman, with Daniel Radcliffe joining the ensemble as a new antagonist. The story follows the Four Horsemen as they execute new illusions while being pursued by an FBI agent and a tech billionaire.
The film premiered in London on June 9, 2016, and was released theatrically in the United States on June 10, 2016. It was distributed by Lionsgate Films in North America and by Summit Entertainment internationally. The runtime is approximately 129 minutes, and the film was shot in multiple locations, including London, Macau, and Paris. The production budget was reported at around $90 million, and the film was rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, some language, and brief suggestive material.
Cast, Characters, and Plot Summary
Jesse Eisenberg returns as J. Daniel Atlas, the illusionist and leader of the Four Horsemen. Mark Ruffalo reprises his role as FBI Special Agent Dylan Rhodes, while Woody Harrelson plays Merritt McKinney, the mentalist. Isla Fisher returns as Henley Reeves, the escapologist, and Dave Franco portrays Jack Wilder, the pickpocket and magician. Lizzy Caplan reprises her role as Lula May, a new member of the Horsemen, and Morgan Freeman returns as Thaddeus Bradley, the former magician turned reviewer of illusions.
Daniel Radcliffe stars as Walter Mabry, a tech prodigy and villain who seeks revenge against Dylan Rhodes. The plot centers on the Horsemen being blackmailed into stealing a data chip from a rival tech CEO. The story takes the team from New York City to London and Macau, where they face new challenges and uncover a larger conspiracy. The film blends magic tricks with elaborate heist sequences, and the climax features a major twist involving identity and technology.
Box Office Performance and Critical Reception
Now You See Me 2 grossed approximately $334 million worldwide against a production budget of $90 million. The film earned strong international box office returns, particularly in China, where it opened at number one and remained in the top tier for multiple weeks. In North America, the film debuted at number two at the box office, behind Finding Dory, and held well in its second weekend. The global cumulative total positioned it as a commercial success for Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment.
Critical reception was mixed, with the film receiving praise for its visual effects, set pieces, and cast performances, while some critics noted a more convoluted plot compared to the first installment. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a score based on reviews from critics, with audiences rating it higher than the critics' score. The movie was also noted for its use of practical illusions and CGI-enhanced magic sequences, which were highlighted in several reviews from entertainment outlets and industry sources.