After months of speculation, delays, and debates that nearly broke the internet, Don 3 is finally happening — and yes, it’s official: Ranveer Singh is stepping into the iconic shoes once worn by Shah Rukh Khan.
Farhan Akhtar, the man behind the modern Don franchise, has broken his silence. In a recent interview, he revealed not just the truth behind SRK’s exit but also why Ranveer Singh is now the new face of this high-octane saga.
Don 3: Not Just a Sequel
Farhan spoke with honesty—he’s not picking up where Don 2 left off. Instead, he is embarking on a fresh journey, bringing a fresh perspective to the franchise. This isn’t just a sequel; it’s a complete reboot. He felt that a new face was necessary for this reimagined Don.
“It’s not pressure, but it’s definitely emotional,” Farhan admitted as he talked about the deep connection he feels with the character and the responsibility of reinventing something fans have loved for years.
Why Don 3 Cancelled?
The shoot is now locked for February 2026, with a theatrical release planned for December 2026. Farhan also clarified why he has stayed quiet until now—Because he’s been focusing on another acting project (120 Bahadur) and giving himself mental space before diving into Don 3’s madness.
One of the most significant questions fans had was, “Why is SRK not in Don 3?”
The internet screamed betrayal. But the truth? It’s far more graceful.
Farhan said it.
“Who am I to replace Shah Rukh Khan?”
He didn’t remove Shah Rukh. They both tried—multiple scripts, multiple ideas, and conversations over years. However, they couldn’t agree on the direction of the story. Shah Rukh wanted the story to go in one direction, while Farhan wanted it to go in a different direction. After a lot of back-and-forth, they mutually agreed to part ways.
No fight. No ego. It was simply a case of creative mismatch.
SRK has been waiting for Don 3 since Don 2’s success. But when the final version didn’t click with him, he respectfully stepped back.
As soon as Ranveer was announced as the new Don, trolling exploded.
SRK loyalists weren’t ready to see anyone else as the iconic criminal mastermind.
But during this storm, Ranveer went completely silent—and for a reason.
He used this time to train in martial arts, working hard on his body language, action skills, and presence. Farhan admitted that while writing the reboot, Ranveer’s face kept popping up. He didn’t cast him because SRK left—he cast him because he fit this new version of Don.
“This guy is the best actor for this part,” Farhan said, while still showing respect for Shah Rukh.
Initially, they finalized Kiara Advani as the female lead, replacing Priyanka Chopra. But her pregnancy caused production delays.
Now, insiders say Kriti Sanon might be cast—although no official name has been confirmed yet.
Let’s be honest—replacing SRK is a massive risk. Even Shah Rukh himself had faced doubts when he took over from Amitabh Bachchan’s Don.
But SRK silenced everyone in 2006. And now, it’s Ranveer’s turn to try.
Farhan knows fans are divided. But he believes in the script, in the reboot, and in Ranveer’s ability to pull it off in his style—not a copy, but a reinvention.
And maybe that’s exactly what Don 3 needs: a fearless leap into something new.
