You know that feeling when you watch a movie and immediately want to do exactly what the protagonist does? For most of us, that moment happened in 2013 when Jesse Eisenberg’s character, J. Daniel Atlas, flicked a card with such velocity it practically blurred on screen. People went nuts. They didn't just want the movie on Blu-ray; they wanted that specific now you see me deck of cards to try and recreate the flair.
It’s weird.
Usually, movie props are just that—props. They’re plastic, or they’re held together with tape and CGI. But the cards used in Now You See Me and its sequel became a legitimate cultural touchstone for the "cardistry" community. Cardistry isn't just magic. It's the art of flourishing, making a deck of cards look like a liquid organism dancing between your fingers.
The Reality Behind the Monarchs
If you’re looking for the "hero" deck from the first film, you aren't looking for a generic souvenir. You're looking for Monarchs. Specifically, the Navy Blue Monarchs produced by Theory11.
Most people don't realize that the production team didn't just pick a random deck from a gas station. They contacted Theory11, which is basically the Tiffany & Co. of the playing card world. The Monarchs deck was chosen because it looked regal. It looked "old money" but had the modern handling required for high-speed manipulation.
I’ve handled these decks. They’re printed by the United States Playing Card Company (USPCC) on FSC-certified paper. That sounds like marketing jargon, but it matters because it affects the "snap." If a card is too stiff, you can't back-palm it. If it’s too soft, it won't sail across a room.
The navy blue tuck case with the gold foil? That wasn't just movie magic. That’s exactly how they come. When Atlas performs the "snap change" or the "seven of diamonds" reveal against the skyscraper, he’s holding a deck that you can actually buy for about twelve bucks.
Is It All CGI or Real Skill?
Let’s be honest. Hollywood cheats.
In the first film, there’s a lot of digital enhancement. Eisenberg and the rest of the cast—Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, and Dave Franco—went to "magic camp" for weeks. They were trained by legendary magicians like David Kwong and Jonathan Bayme.
Kwong is a master of puzzles and illusions. He didn't just teach them how to hold a deck; he taught them the psychology of a performer. However, when you see those impossible-looking flick shots? That’s often a mix of Dave Franco’s genuine practice and a little help from the visual effects department.
By the time Now You See Me 2 rolled around, the stakes for the now you see me deck of cards choreography went through the roof.
Remember the vault scene?
The Four Horsemen are being searched and they have to hide a single playing card by tossing it to each other while being patted down. It’s a rhythmic, choreographed masterpiece. While the card itself was sometimes a digital asset to ensure it caught the light perfectly, the hand movements were based on real "cardistry" moves.
Why Cardists Love This Deck
- The Finish: These cards use a "Premium 909" finish. It basically means there are tiny air pockets between the cards so they slide without sticking.
- The Aesthetic: The design is understated. It doesn't scream "I'm a magician." It screams "I'm a professional."
- The Durability: You can spring these cards 1,000 times before they start to lose their shape.
Honestly, the Monarchs are probably the most successful "unintentional" movie merchandise in history. Theory11 didn't even have to put the movie logo on the box. The association was so strong that the deck became a bestseller purely through word of mouth among fans.
The Special Edition "See Me" Decks
Later on, to capitalize on the sequel, actual branded versions of the now you see me deck of cards were released. These weren't just the Monarchs anymore.
Cardshark and other manufacturers produced decks specifically for the movie’s promotion. Some of these featured the "Eye" logo—the secret society from the film. If you're a collector, these are the ones that are getting harder to find. They aren't just for tricks; they're pieces of cinema history.
But here’s the kicker.
If you want to actually perform like the Horsemen, the branded movie decks are sometimes inferior to the original Monarchs. Why? Because the branded ones were often treated as "merch" rather than "tools."
Magicians are picky. We care about the "cut."
When a deck is punched out at the factory, the blade goes through one way. This creates a "traditional cut" or a "modern cut." A traditional cut allows you to do a Faro Shuffle (where the cards weave together perfectly) much more easily. The Monarchs used in the film are prized because they handle like butter.
How to Start Throwing Cards Like Dave Franco
If you've got your hands on a deck and you want to do that "flick" thing, you need to learn the Card Shot.
It’s not about muscle. It’s about tension.
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You grip the card between your middle finger and thumb, curl your index finger, and create a sort of spring. When you release, the card shouldn't just fly; it should spin. The spin is what gives it stability. It’s physics. A spinning card acts like a gyroscope, cutting through the air resistance.
Rick Smith Jr., a world record holder for card throwing, was actually a consultant for the films. He can throw a card so hard it slices through a watermelon. He uses the same types of decks seen in the movie.
- Don't use a cheap deck. If you buy a $1 deck from a grocery store, it’s too light. It’ll just flop.
- Focus on the flick. The power comes from the wrist, not the arm.
- Expect to ruin cards. Your first now you see me deck of cards will end up with bent corners. It’s a rite of passage.
The "Eye" and the Mystery of Card Design
The symbolism on the back of the cards in the movie is heavy on the "Eye of Providence."
It plays into the whole Illuminati-lite vibe of the film. But in the world of magic, this kind of symbolism is common. Decks like the Artisan or the Contraband (also from Theory11) carry that same mysterious aesthetic.
When you see a cardist using these, they’re playing a character. The deck is their costume.
Interestingly, the most famous trick in the first movie—the one where the audience "picks" a card that is later shown on a building—is a real psychological force. It’s called a "flick force." Daniel Atlas ripples through the deck so fast that you think you have a free choice, but he lingers on the Seven of Diamonds just a fraction of a second longer. Your brain catches it. You think it's your idea.
It’s not. It’s the card.
Where to Find the Real Deal Now
You can still get the Navy Blue Monarchs. They’re the "official" unofficial deck.
However, if you want the actual movie-branded decks from Now You See Me 2, you’re looking at eBay or specialized magic forums like Theory11, Ellusionist, or Penguin Magic.
Prices fluctuate.
Sometimes a mint condition deck goes for $20; sometimes it’s $100 if it’s a limited run. But for the average person who just wants to look cool at a party, the standard Monarchs are the way to go. They’re the exact ones you see on screen.
Actionable Steps for Aspiring Horsemen
If you’re serious about getting into this, don't just buy the deck and put it on a shelf.
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- Step 1: Get the right deck. Search for "Navy Blue Monarchs." Avoid the knock-offs. The feel of the paper is 90% of the experience.
- Step 2: Learn the Charlier Cut. This is the one-handed shuffle you see the characters do constantly. It's the foundation of all cardistry.
- Step 3: Watch the "Vault Scene" in slow motion. Look at their hands, not the faces. Observe how they "palm" the card. They use a technique called the "Back Palm" where the card is hidden behind the hand while the hand appears empty.
- Step 4: Practice on a soft surface. Do it over a bed or a sofa. You’re going to drop the cards—a lot. Dropping them on a hard floor ruins the edges and destroys the "glide" you need for tricks.
- Step 5: Master the "Snap Change." This is the visual illusion where one card seems to instantly transform into another. It’s a core move in Daniel Atlas’s repertoire and is surprisingly achievable with a few hours of focused practice.
The magic isn't in the paper. It's in the hours you spend making that paper feel like an extension of your skin. The now you see me deck of cards is just the tool; you're the one who has to make people believe.
Start with a single flick. See where it lands.