Back in August, Now You See Me director Louis Leterrier revealed that he was returning to direct the follow-up Now You See Me 2. The filmmaker's plans have apparently changed, with Jon M. Chu emerging as the front runner to replace him on the sequel.

No reason was given for Louis Leterrier's departure, although it's possible that a scheduling conflict arose, since he is gearing up to direct Sony's action-comedy Grimsby this summer.

Now You See Me stars Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher and Dave Franco are expected to reprise their roles as The Four Horseman, with Mark Ruffalo also believed to return as Dylan Rhodes.

It isn't clear if a script has been written at this point, but Louis Leterrier revealed in August that he was already working on the story. Edward Ricourt, Boaz Yakin and Ed Solomon wrote the script for the original Now You See Me, which centers on four magicians who use their skills to pull off elaborate bank heists during their performances. The thriller was one of the biggest surprise stories at the box office last summer, pulling in an impressive $350 million worldwide.

Jon M. Chu recently wrapped production on Jem and the Holograms, and he is still attached to make G.I. Joe 3.