According to industry sources, Hrithik Roshan was approached after Ranveer Singh stepped away from the film. However, the actor declined the offer, citing prior professional commitments. A report by Movie Talkies stated that Hrithik is currently preparing for his directorial debut with Krrish 4 and has several large-scale pan-India projects in the pipeline, leaving little room in his schedule for the foreseeable future.

Don 3, to be directed by Farhan Akhtar, was initially announced with Ranveer Singh taking over the titular role made famous by Amitabh Bachchan and later Shah Rukh Khan. The announcement sparked mixed reactions, but the project was positioned as a fresh reboot rather than a direct continuation of earlier films. Despite the early buzz, the film has struggled to move forward due to repeated casting changes and creative hurdles.

Conflicting reports have emerged regarding Ranveer Singh’s departure. A Pinkvilla report suggested that the actor chose to exit the film voluntarily, as he is keen to collaborate with filmmakers such as Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Lokesh Kanagaraj and Atlee. The report also claimed that Ranveer was reluctant to appear in back-to-back gangster roles, particularly after the success of Dhurandhar, which firmly established his presence in the genre.

However, a contrasting report by India Today, citing sources close to the production, claimed that Ranveer was removed from the project due to creative differences. According to the report, the makers did not agree with certain demands made by the actor, leading to his exit. Neither Farhan Akhtar nor Ranveer Singh has publicly commented on these claims.

The project has also seen changes in its female lead. Actress Kiara Advani, who was initially cast opposite Ranveer Singh, reportedly exited the film after announcing her pregnancy. Industry reports later suggested that Kriti Sanon was being considered as her replacement, though no official confirmation has been made.

With Hrithik Roshan also opting out, the future of Don 3 now hinges on the filmmakers’ ability to finalise a new cast and realign the project’s creative direction. While Farhan Akhtar and Excel Entertainment have not issued an official statement on the latest developments, the repeated delays have raised questions about the film’s timeline and eventual execution.