Dave Franco Reveals Now You See Me Cast Feared Career End in 2013 Film

Dave Franco revealed that the cast of the 2013 film Now You See Me initially believed the movie would end their acting careers due to the chaotic production. The actor shared this on August 24 during an interview on Hot Ones with Sean Evans.

Franco recalled that after the first day of filming, the cast was so uncertain about the film's future that they went out to dinner and toasted "to the end of our careers." Despite this, the film became a box-office hit and launched a successful franchise.

The Now You See Me series follows a group of illusionists known as the Four Horsemen, who use elaborate magic tricks to pull off bank heists. Franco plays Jack Wilder, a young magician and pickpocket who is a central member of the team alongside Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, and Mark Ruffalo.

Franco said, "I remember at the end of the first day it was such chaos trying to figure it out, that we all went out to dinner and we literally cheers'ed to the end of our careers. We thought this movie was going to take us down."

Since its 2013 debut, the franchise has expanded to include three films, with a fourth installment currently in development. The third film, Now You See Me: Now You Don't, was released in November 2025.

Reflecting on the franchise’s longevity, Franco added, "Cut to 15 years later, we've done three of these things with a forthcoming." He also shared lessons learned about managing expectations, saying, "I've learned over the years to never have expectations. I know how hard it is to have a movie that hits, and so when a movie does hit, it's a nice surprise."

Jesse Eisenberg, who plays illusionist J. Daniel Atlas, also expressed his positive experience with the franchise, saying, "I've never felt happier than when playing that part. Normally I play depressed people, which makes me depressed, but playing that confident, arrogant magician, I walk away every day thinking, 'That was amazing.'"

The franchise’s success contrasts sharply with the initial doubts of its cast, who feared the project might be a career setback. Instead, Now You See Me has grossed $932.2 million worldwide and maintained audience interest with its mix of mystery, crime, and stage magic.

Franco’s other notable work includes roles in 21 Jump Street, Neighbors, and The Disaster Artist. He recently appeared in the body horror film Together with his wife Alison Brie and will star in the upcoming Sundance comedy Idiots. Additionally, he lends his voice to DreamWorks Animation's Forgotten Island, scheduled for release in September 2026.