Key Findings
- Lionsgate's "Now You See Me" movie will showcase Abu Dhabi’s landmarks as major stars, blending blockbuster action with tourism promotion.
- Local talent development is a priority, with six UAE-based filmmakers interning alongside an international cast and 175 regional crew members.
- The project strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a global filming hub, following major hits like "Dune" and "Mission: Impossible."
Lionsgate's upcoming film "Now You See Me: Now You Don't" has wrapped a fast-paced shoot across Abu Dhabi, marking the latest in a growing list of Hollywood productions drawn to the Emirate.
The action-heist sequel was filmed in collaboration with the Creative Media Authority, Abu Dhabi Film Commission, and Miral Destinations.
The 13-day schedule took full advantage of the region's iconic architecture, desert landscapes, and advanced production infrastructure.
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The film's cast — including Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, Ariana Greenblatt, Rosamund Pike, and Morgan Freeman — was seen filming at iconic locations, including:
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Sheikh Zayed Bridge
- Liwa Desert
- Ferrari World
- CLYMB
- Multiple Yas Island attractions
In a press release, Lionsgate President of Physical Production Matt Leonetti emphasized the "Now You See Me" films' focus on taking audiences on global adventures.
"Abu Dhabi's iconic locations and incredible people will be part of what makes this film so enjoyable and memorable for worldwide audiences."
The project also created hands-on opportunities for local talent.
Through the Creative Media Authority's talent development initiative, six UAE-based aspiring filmmakers secured internships on set, working alongside 175 crew members from the region.
Lionsgate's new heist thriller doubles as a blockbuster tourism ad for Abu Dhabi's overall brand marketing strategy, thanks to a dazzling location partnership with local film authorities.
It's a win-win, turning iconic landmarks into cinematic stars while nurturing homegrown filmmaking talent behind the scenes.
Iconic Locations, Local Talent, Global Exposure
With support from the Abu Dhabi Film Commission's competitive cashback rebate and logistical expertise, "Now You See Me: Now You Don't" filmed scenes across a wide range of recognizable sites.
Miral Destinations, which manages several of the film's key locations, highlighted the importance of seamless collaboration between entertainment and tourism.
Set to release in November, the film continues Lionsgate's global franchise tradition under the direction of Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland, Venom, Uncharted), with a script by Seth Grahame-Smith, Michael Lesslie, Paul Wernick, and Rhett Reese.
It joins over 180 productions that have chosen Abu Dhabi as a filming destination, from "Dune" to "Mission: Impossible," cementing the city's growing role in international cinema.
Last November, Experience Abu Dhabi tapped actor Chris Hemsworth and his wife, Elsa Pataky, for a tourism campaign that kicked off a two-year partnership.
