Summary

  • Now You See Me 3 is in development and needs to bring back Isla Fisher's character, Henley Reeves.
  • Isla Fisher didn't return for Now You See Me 2 due to her pregnancy at the time of filming.
  • Now You See Me 2's ending sets up the possibility of Isla Fisher's character returning in Now You See Me 3.

cast Now You See Me 3 could include.

Through the first two Now You See Me movies, the franchise has built a world of major and ing characters all connected to the magic storylines. This includes the likes of Mark Ruffalo's Dylan Rhodes, Morgan Freeman's Thaddeus Bradley, and Michael Caine's Arthur Tressler, all of whom have appeared in both previous movies. There are also a handful of characters who have only been featured in one of the movies who could also return in Now You See Me 3. This includes one prominent cast member last seen in Now You See Me's ending who was missing from the sequel.

Now You See Me 3 Needs Isla Fisher's Henley Reeves To Come Back

The cast of the 2013 heist film Now You See Me.

As development on Now You See Me 3 kicks into high gear, the franchise needs to make bringing back Isla Fisher's Henley Reeves a priority. Fisher was the female lead of the first movie, giving the comedic Australian actress a major role to play. Now You See Me introduced Henley as an escape artist and stage musician making a name for herself in the world of magic after previously working with and dating Daniel. Her prominent position in the illusionist sphere led her to be recruited to be one of the Four Horsemen, making her an integral member of the group's initial heist and successful escape.

Unfortunately, Now You See Me 2 did not see Isla Fisher return. The lack of development on a sequel in the years that immediately followed meant that there was a good chance audiences had seen the last of Henley. Lionsgate's renewed efforts to make Now You See Me 3 means that there is once again hope that Isla Fisher can come back. There are plenty of opportunities for Henley's return to make sense within whatever plot the trilogy capper revolves around. Any scenario that sees Fisher return for Now You See Me 3 means her excellent comedic timing can be featured in the franchise again.

Why Isla Fisher Didn't Return For Now You See Me 2

The reason that Isla Fisher did not return for Now You See Me 2 was not due to any bad experiences with the first movie or any potential controversies. The plan was for Henley to be featured again in the sequel, but that had to change as the production schedule did not line up with Fisher's personal life. She had to exit Now You See Me 2 because she was pregnant at the time. When filming on the sequel began in November 2014, Fisher was about four or five months pregnant. Production lasted through March 2015, which is also when she gave birth to her third child.

Once it became clear that Isla Fisher was not going to be able to come back for Now You See Me 2, the script was reworked to replace Henley. This led to the introduction of Lizzy Caplan's Lula, with the movie briefly explaining away Henley's absence by saying she left the Four Horsemen after growing tired of waiting for the Eye's next instructions. While Caplan proved to be a fun addition to the Now You See Me 2 cast, it is clear that there is no ill will between the franchise and Fisher that would get in the way of her potentially returning for Now You See Me 3​​​​​​.

Now You See Me 2's Ending Perfectly Sets Up Isla Fisher's Return

The Four Horsemen looking at something with flashlights in Now You See Me

It remains to be seen if Now You See Me does bring back Henley, but Isla Fisher's return would make some sense after Now You See Me 2's ending. The sequel concluded with the Four Horsemen going to the secret base for the Eye. This included Dylan being appointed as the new leader of the organization, confirming other of the group, and a tease that Danny, Jack, Merritt, and Lula were about to learn more about the Eye's secrets. All this could help lead to Henley's return to working with the Four Horsemen and the Eye.

The in-universe explanation for Isla Fisher's sudden disappearance from the franchise can easily be undone in Now You See Me 3. With Dylan taking control of the Eye, he could look to bring Henley back, given her exceptional skills and a need for them in what he plans to do. It could even be revealed that Henley did not actually leave the Four Horsemen for the reasons previously revealed and that she had actually been working with the Eye behind the scenes. This would also mean allowing the Four Horsemen to grow to be the Five Horsemen potentially, making Now You See Me 3 bigger than its predecessors.

  • 01279511_poster_w780.jpg
    Now You See Me
    Release Date
    May 31, 2013

    Now You See Me follows an FBI agent and an Interpol detective as they pursue a group of talented illusionists. The magicians are known for orchestrating bank heists during their performances, where they astonish audiences by distributing stolen wealth, intertwining magical spectacle with high-stakes crime.

    Runtime
    116 minutes
    Director
    Louis Leterrier
  • 01279512_poster_w780.jpg

    Now You See Me 2 follows the Four Horsemen as they return after eluding the FBI, only to encounter a new adversary who forces them into their most perilous heist. The film, released in 2016, continues the saga of illusionists navigating conflicts with law enforcement and enigmatic foes.

    Runtime
    129 minutes
    Director
    Jon M. Chu