Mandopop superstar Jay Chou, 38, is reportedly starring in a "Now You See Me" spinoff reprising his role as Li, owner of a famous magic shop in Macau. If he is the lead actor of the spinoff, it is likely that he will not be included in the main cast of the third sequel of the heist thriller film franchise.
This does not mean that Chou is automatically excluded from the cast of "Now You See Me 3." If Li becomes the lead character of the spin-off, the character may still have a brief appearance in the third sequel.
There are still no actors confirmed to join the "Now You See Me 3" cast. What has been confirmed is that Jon M. Chu is returning to direct the third sequel after helming the second sequel.
It has also been announced that "San Andreas 2" writer Neil Widener and Gavin James are writing the screenplay of the third sequel based on the story by Ed Solomon, Deadline reported. The first instalment of the film series was co-written by Solomon, Boaz Yakin and Edward Ricourt while the second instalment was written by Solomon.
Chou's character was introduced in "Now You See Me 2." In the sequel, the Horsemen J. Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson), Jack Wilder (Dave Franco) and Lula (Lizzy Caplan) get supplies at a Macanese magic shop that Li operates with Bu Bu (Tsai Chin).
The "Now You See Me" spinoff will be a Chinese-language film co-produced by Lionsgate and Leomus Pictures, a film company based in Beijing, China. Featuring a predominantly Chinese cast, the spinoff will be shot in China.
In an interview with Hollywood Reporter, Leomus Pictures CEO Jie Qiu said they are working closely with Lionsgate on the story of the spinoff. He also revealed that a Hollywood writer will be involved to ensure it is aligned with the "Now You See Me" franchise and has the same level of quality.
Meanwhile, check out a music video of one of Chou's songs here: