Don 3 update: Shah Rukh Khan to return to do the iconic character? New report hints at major cast change

Speculation around Don 3 has once again picked up pace, with fresh reports suggesting that Shah Rukh Khan could return to the franchise that helped redefine his on-screen image in the 2000s. After a series of exits and casting changes, the Farhan Akhtar directorial is back in the spotlight, with industry chatter pointing to a possible reunion between SRK and the iconic character of Don — albeit with a key condition attached.

According to a report by TellyChakkar, Shah Rukh Khan is open to reprising his role as Don in the third instalment, following Ranveer Singh’s reported exit from the project. However, the actor is said to have placed a specific requirement before committing to the film. The report claims that SRK wants filmmaker Atlee to be associated with Don 3 in some capacity.

Sources cited in the report suggest that Shah Rukh Khan believes Atlee’s experience with large-scale commercial cinema and his understanding of mass appeal could help take the franchise to a new level. The actor reportedly feels that the inclusion of the Jawan director could add scale, energy and spectacle to the project. As of now, there has been no official confirmation from Farhan Akhtar, Shah Rukh Khan or Atlee regarding these discussions.

Why Ranveer Singh stepped away from the project

Ranveer Singh was announced as the new face of Don last year, marking a major shift for the franchise. However, reports later claimed that the actor had exited the film. According to Pinkvilla, Ranveer’s decision was linked to a reassessment of his career choices after the success of Dhurandhar.

The report stated that the actor is keen to collaborate with directors such as Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Lokesh Kanagaraj and Atlee, while also avoiding back-to-back gangster roles. With Dhurandhar already establishing him in that space, Ranveer was reportedly cautious about repeating a similar on-screen image.

Casting changes continue to affect Don 3

Don 3 has seen several changes beyond the lead actor. Kiara Advani was initially announced as the female lead opposite Ranveer Singh, but later reports suggested that she had exited the film. Since then, Kriti Sanon’s name has emerged as a possible replacement, though the makers have not made any official announcement so far.

There has also been movement around the antagonist’s role. Reports indicate that actors Vikrant Massey and Vijay Deverakonda were approached for the part but chose not to take it up, reportedly due to concerns about the depth of the character.

The Don franchise has a long history in Hindi cinema, beginning with Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of the character in the 1978 classic. Shah Rukh Khan later stepped into the role in Farhan Akhtar’s Don (2006) and Don 2 (2011), turning the character into a modern pop-culture icon.

With multiple exits, unresolved casting and now renewed speculation about SRK’s return, Don 3 remains one of the most talked-about upcoming films.