EXCLUSIVE: Lionsgate has unveiled the Emirati capital of Abu Dhabi as a key shooting location of Now You See Me Now You Don’t.
The third instalment of the Now You See Me franchise sees Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco reprise their roles as magicians-turned-master thieves, with support from Isla Fisher, Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, Ariana Greenblatt, Rosamund Pike, and Morgan Freeman.
Little has been unveiled about the plot although the Abu Dhabi backdrop was teased briefly in a trailer reveal at ComiCon earlier this month.
“The Now You See Me films have always taken audiences on global adventures, and this film is no exception,” said Matt Leonetti, President, Physical Production for the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.
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“Abu Dhabi’s iconic locations and incredible people will be part of what makes this film so enjoyable and memorable for worldwide audiences.”
The cast touched down at a number of Abu Dhabi landmarks including Yas Island and its attractions such as CLYMB and Ferrari World and the marina over the course of 13 days. Other locations include Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Bridge, and the Liwa desert, which previously acted as a backdrop for Dune 1 & 2.
Set for release on November 14, 2025, the heist thriller film benefits from Abu Dhabi Film Commission support including the emirate 35% cashback rebate and logistical advice.
“The Lionsgate team benefited not only from Abu Dhabi Film Commission’s financial rebate offering, but also from the support of our key partners, Miral Destinations, facilitating key filming and the expertise of our local crew, led by Epic Films,” said Mohamed Dobay, Acting General Director of Creative Media Authority (CMA).
A total of 175 local crew members worked on the production, including six aspiring UAE-based filmmakers who secured internships on set through the talent development arm of the CMA, creative lab.
Now You See Me: Now You Don’t is directed by Ruben Fleischer, who has just been confirmed for a fourth instalment of the franchise.
The screenplay, by Seth Grahame-Smith, Michael Lesslie, Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese, with a story by Eric Warren Singer, is based on characters created by Boaz Yakin & Edward Ricourt. The film is produced by Bobby Cohen, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci.
Now You See Me: Now You Don’t is among more than 180 productions to have used Abu Dhabi as a location in recent years, tapping into its 35% rebate and other benefits.
They include F1, Dune, Dune: Part Two, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Netflix’s 6 Underground and War Machine as well as franchises Mission: Impossible, Star Wars and Fast and Furious.
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