‘Now You See Me 3’ release date, cast: Benedict Cumberbatch is NOT mentioned in a recent report on film’s production

When chatter about “Now You See Me 3” started several years ago, Benedict Cumberbatch’s name was one of the few actors rumored to join the movie. However, a report providing an update on the film’s production came out recently, and the “Sherlock” star was not even mentioned.

‘Now You See Me 3’ cast rumors: Benedict Cumberbatch may not join the upcoming movie after all

It should be noted, though, that Cumberbatch’s supposed attachment to the making of “Now You See Me 3” was never confirmed. At this point, it has actually gotten difficult to track down where the rumor started. Despite the lack of any sort of confirmation or reliable source, many fans agreed that Cumberbatch would be a powerful addition to the already star-studded cast of the magic heist film series.

We Got This Covered reported last month that Lionsgate is getting back on track in the making of “Now You See Me 3.” They start, of course, by putting together the cast members that they hope would include familiar faces from the first two films.

Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Lizzy Caplan – whose characters compose the Four Horsemen – have reportedly been contacted by the studio for “Now You See Me 3.” The same report noted that Dave Franco, who has been in the series from the beginning, was not mentioned by their source. But it is safe to expect he will reprise his role as well.

Mark Ruffalo, Morgan Freeman, and Michael Caine, who are all part of the earlier installments, are also reportedly in talks to join “Now You See Me 3.” The same sources mentioned the studio is looking to add two new characters, but a name as huge as Cumberbatch not being mentioned only suggests that he is unlikely joining the production.

‘Now You See Me 3’ possible release date: Why a 2020 premiere seems unlikely

The work on the “Now You See Me 3” script purportedly started in late 2016 when Lionsgate reportedly reached out to writer duo Neil Widener and Gavin James. With the production now seemingly on the move, it is possible that the studio is gearing up to start filming as soon as the cast is finalized. Given the time remaining this year and the work that has yet to be done for the movie, it is quite impossible for “Now You See Me 3” to be released within 2020.