Few people had high hope for Now You See Me before its release, but after it grossed $350 million around the world, it’s little surprise Lionsgate started developing a sequel. Initially director Louis Leterrier was due to return for the follow-up, but now it appears he’s left the movie behind.
However Variety reports that they’re closing in on a replacement, with GI Joe: Retaliation helmer Jon M. Chu emerging as the front runner.
It’s not known why Leterrier left, but with Lionsgate hoping to shoot Now You See Me 2 this October, it’s likely there’s a scheduling conflict with Grimsby, the Sasha Baron Cohen vehicle Leterrier is she to film this summer.
Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco and Mark Ruffalo are all expected to return, although its not known what the plot will be. However it will undoubtedly follow the further exploits of The Four Horsemen, magicians who in the first film uses their skills to pull off elaborate bank heists during their performances.