Speculation is rife in Bollywood that Shah Rukh Khan may return to headline 'Don 3' following reports of Ranveer Singh's departure from the project. Farhan Akhtar's highly anticipated action franchise has seen a significant shake-up in its casting. Ranveer Singh was initially announced as the new 'Don' in August 2023, taking over from Khan, who had starred in the previous two installments. However, recent reports from late December 2025 and early January 2026 indicate that Ranveer Singh has exited 'Don 3'. Reasons cited for his exit vary, including 'unreasonable demands' and 'creative differences' leading the makers, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, to reportedly drop him. Other reports suggest Singh voluntarily stepped away to avoid consecutive gangster roles after the success of his film 'Dhurandhar', opting to prioritize a zombie thriller titled 'Pralay'. Following Singh's exit, reports have surfaced indicating that Shah Rukh Khan is now being considered to return as 'Don'. Sources suggest that Khan is open to reprising the iconic role but has a major condition: the involvement of 'Jawan' director Atlee in the 'Don' franchise. It is believed that Atlee's vision could significantly elevate the film's scale and appeal to a broader audience. While no official confirmation has been made, these discussions are gaining traction. It's noteworthy that Farhan Akhtar had previously expressed his intention for a 'younger generation' actor to lead 'Don 3' due to creative differences with Khan regarding the direction of the character. Meanwhile, Kriti Sanon is reportedly cast as the female lead, replacing Kiara Advani, and other actors like Hrithik Roshan and Rajat Bedi are in talks for significant roles. The film's production, initially set for January 2026, is reportedly on hold amidst these casting changes.