The Chinese tour of Now You See Me Live, has begun with a sold-out audience in Beijing. It is the biggest touring magic show in the world.
The show will tour in more than 10 cities in China over the next few months including Beijing, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Shanghai and Nanjing before moving to other territories around the globe
Lionsgate is adding the live performance spectacular to its IP expansion for the magic brand as it ramps up plans for the global blockbuster film franchise.
The IP will also be a key feature of the theme park at under-construction Lionsgate Entertainment World. Lionsgate’s first indoor theme park will stretch over a 2.2 hectare site and is being built in Hengqin, China, as part of a larger complex. It is set to open in 2019.
As in the films, The Horsemen will occupy centre-stage. These comprise four globally famous illusionists:
- James More is “The Showman”. He went viral following Britain’s Got Talent
- Florian Sainvet is “The Manipulator”. Two-time French Magic Champion and finalist of France’s Got Talent.
- Sabine van Diemen is “The Escape Artist”. Famous from Holland’s Got Talent and West End Productions’ The Illusionists.
- Enzo Weyne is “The Mentalist. From France’s Got Talent and the best-winning magic show by French Federation of Prestidigitator Artists.
In addition, a fifth cast member will be unique to each market. The ‘fifth horseman’ will also host the show in the local language of the touring region.
Now You See Me and Now You See Me 2 from Lionsgate’s Summit Entertainment grossed more than $680 million at the worldwide box office. They grossed over $100 million in China where their popularity continues to expand. The franchise already spans two mobile games.