The closer you look, the less you see. This mantra defines the four horsemen, the Robin Hoods of the magic world, who captivated audiences a decade ago. They dazzled with impossible heists and intricate revenge plots, leaving viewers with a cliffhanger about the secret society known as the Eye. With the third film now materializing, let's revisit the magic.
The 2013 film introduces four street magicians, J. Daniel Atlas, Merritt McKinley, Henley Reeves, and Jack Wilder, united by a mysterious tarot card. They form the Four Horsemen, debuting in Las Vegas with a bank heist staged during a performance. FBI agent Dylan Rhodes, paired with Interpol’s Alma Dre, pursue them with the help of Thaddius Bradley, an ex-magician who reveals their tricks.
In New Orleans, the Horsemen turn on benefactor Arthur Trestler, redistributing stolen money to Hurricane Katrina victims. The finale in New York pits the Horsemen against Trestler, ending with Thaddius Bradley framed for the theft, revealing Dylan as the fifth horseman with a personal vendetta.
The sequel, three years later, introduces Lula May to the group while Dylan deals with exposure as the fifth horseman. A tech prodigy, Walter Mabry, manipulates them into a heist for a decryption chip. A series of magic shows expose villains Trestler and Mabry, leading to their undoing through a staged plane heist.
Thaddius, previously seen as a rival, is revealed to be an ally of Dylan's father, Lionel Shrike. The Horsemen are initiated into the Eye as Dylan continues the legacy. With resources of a magical society, their public persona remains misunderstood but intriguing.
The franchise promises more deceit and clever illusions, setting the stage for another thrilling chapter.