Magic for Humans Season 3: How Justin Willman Did His Best Tricks

How did Justin Willman execute his best tricks on season 3 of Magic for Humans? The star of Netflix’s hilarious ode to sorcery, now in its third season, has shared some of his secret sauce during several episodes. However, much of his trickery remains a mystery… until now! We’ve compiled the steps behind the magic to unveil the human side of many of these jaw-dropping spectacles.

One of the more popular illusions that Willman performed throughout the series is the floating object trick (seen above). Justin Willman does this trick by shoving the silvery utensil’s handle up his sleeve, with his hands positioned over the circular part to make it look as though it’s hovering. A different variation of this illusion appeared in season 3. Willman attended an etiquette lesson with other students interested in learning dining customs and he appeared to make a piece of food levitate. In actuality, it was a similar sleight of hand as the ladle.

Unravel The “Influence The Influencer” Trick

Another maneuver that’s popular on the latest season is the “Influence the Influencer “trick. Willman met with a trio of prominent social media influencers (Dytto, Andrew Lowe, Griffin Arnlund) and began “working them” from the moment they appeared on-camera. After dropping several subliminal messages to them, he posed the question, “How susceptible are you to being influenced?” None of them felt that they were susceptible. Willman then let them loose in The World of Fruit, which is a modern museum themed with various produce-related backdrops that are perfect selfie backgrounds. Each influencer on Magic for Humans was given the option of posing with their choice of prop (in any room) and was asked to create a hashtag to commemorate the moment. At the end of the exercise, Willman revealed to them that they’d all chosen an ice tray, they’d all hashtagged their photos “Tray cool,” and even posed in the same room… on the same watermelon swing. When asked how he got into their heads, he revealed each of the mentalist tactics he’d used from the moment they arrived, and how the power of suggestion “influenced” their choices that day.

How Are Bodies “Cut In Half”

In the “Home” episode, Willman executes the trusty old “cut a body in half” illusion in the parking lot of a Burbank, California Ikea store. The key to making this one work lies in the table itself. The Magic for Humans trickster places the victim (in this case, himself) into the box. Little does the audience know that the box has a secret compartment within the table. Willman’s head sticks out of the top portion, with the rest of his body scrunched down below, out of view of the audience. Meanwhile, fake legs (or perhaps a hidden unidentified assistant’s feet) peer out of the bottom half. These feet give the illusion that Willman’s body spans the full length of the box. The marks take their turn jamming blades into the box until he gives the OK to separate both sides. Voila! Man sawed in half!

What About “Levitation”?

Magic For Humans has also given this lifelong magician the chance to show how levitation can be faked. As an introduction to another segment, Willman sits cross-legged on a table. Soon, his body starts floating from its seated position. However, as Willman backs away from the table, it’s evident that the floating crossed legs are fake… and simply attached to the rest of his body. The levitation effect is complete.

Willman explained to The Chicago Tribune that he understands the power of showcasing his magical talents through television: “You don’t realize the reach of a streaming platform like Netflix that goes around the world, where people don’t have to wait for a specific time to see a show,” he says. “Every day is like a premiere day when someone sees your show. You’re in their living room, and you’re making them smile — entertaining them.”  However, some detractors have taken to the Internet to not only debunk his illusions but to question the integrity of the show altogether.

There Are Conspiracy Theories

In 2018, a Reddit user hinted that Magic for Humans casts actors to feign surprise during the climax of some of the tricks, revealing an actress named Laura Krystine as an awestruck student bystander in one episode. Other users have spoken about noticing shots being edited to give Willman his astonishing “Ta-da!” moments, and his use of green-screen technology to make his limbs disappear. The biggest conspiracy theories online center around Willman having willing accomplices who are facilitating his performances. After all, when it comes to magic, a good straight man is integral to the process. Shooting his series in and around Los Angeles gives Willman access to more than enough fame-hungry participants. These participants are willing to go along with the bit in exchange for camera time. He even pokes fun at all the Magic for Humans speculation in the season 3 episode, “Fakes.”

In the end, there’s really no harm in Willman engaging in subterfuge to produce his illusions. Since magic tricks are all about what the mind perceives versus what the eyes see, it shouldn’t shock anyone that a little verbal deception is part of the gag, as well. From adult actors small enough to appear as fascinated children to floating orbs that are nothing more than soup ladles, Willman is simply carrying on the long tradition of showmanship. So, don’t get angry when he tells you there’s no gimmick to his act. Not having a gimmick is the biggest and best part of this Magic for Humans star’s ruse.

Source: Chicago Tribune, Reddit

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