"A new era of Don begins in 2025. Watch this space."
Farhan Akhtar surprised fans when he announced that Don 3 would be on the way, however, one particular detail has annoyed them.
Don 2 came out in 2011 and since then, fans have been wondering when Shah Rukh Khan would reprise his role for the third film.
In May 2023, producer Ritesh Sidhwani confirmed that a script for Don 3 was being written.
There were also rumours that SRK had exited the franchise.
The rumours have come true as a statement confirmed that a new actor will take the franchise forward.
— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) August 8, 2023
The statement read: “In 1978, a character created by Salim-Javed and portrayed by Mr Amitabh Bachchan with effortless elan, captured the imagination of theatregoers across the country.
“That enigmatic character was Don.
“In 2006, Don was reimagined and brought to life by Shah Rukh Khan in his own irresistibly charming way.
“From Don’s sardonic wit to his cool but menacing fury, Shah Rukh embodied his persona.
“As writer and director, I had a great time creating not one but two, Don films with Shah Rukh and both experiences remain very close to my heart.”
Confirming that a new actor will play the titular role in Don 3, the statement added:
“The time has now come to take the legacy of Don forward and joining us in this new interpretation will be an actor whose talent and versatility I have long admired.
“We hope that you will show him the love you have so graciously and generously shown to Mr Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan.
“A new era of Don begins in 2025. Watch this space.”
Fans were unhappy with the announcement, with many refusing to accept a new Don film without SRK.
One person commented: “I don’t think any other actor can match the swag of SRK in Don… #nosrknodon3.”
Another wrote: “No Shah Rukh Khan sir, No Don 3.”
Others were confused as to why the film will be called Don 3 when it has been billed as a “new era”.
An angry user said: “There’s no need to call it Don 3 if you don’t have SRK in it.
“If it’s a new era, just effin call it a reboot. Fly on the coattails of Don and Don 2 and not even have the courtesy to value fan emotions in the right way after years of us wanting an SRK Don 3 is just disrespectful.”
Another fan said: “Sorry but this makes no sense.
“It says Don 3 meaning it is the 3rd part, but then it has no SRK in it.”
“But then it also says A NEW ERA BEGINS. So why is it named Don 3 at all? It’s not the same Don! Might as well have rebooted the entire thing and just named it Don: A New Era.”
— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) August 8, 2023
While the statement did not reveal who the new Don is, many believe it will be Ranveer Singh as previous reports suggested he had been cast in the role.
Earlier in the day, Farhan and Ritesh shared a teaser, featuring a red number three lighting up the black display along with the words:
“A new era begins.”
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