Director Confirms Third 'National Treasure' Film
Fans of the National Treasure franchise have waited nearly two decades for a proper follow-up to 2007's 'National Treasure: Book of Secrets.' That wait may soon be over, as director Jon Turteltaub has confirmed that a third film is in development.
Speaking at a live taping of the 'National Treasure Hunt' podcast in Philadelphia on August 21, Turteltaub announced, "It's happening. You're the first people I have said this out loud to." He added, "I have not said anything before this, but you deserve to have the scoop. It's finally real."
The director's comments, reported by multiple outlets including The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and The New Indian Express, mark the strongest signal yet that the long-gestating sequel is moving forward.
Script Approved by Director and Disney
According to Turteltaub, a script for the third installment has been written and approved by both him and Disney. The studio reportedly told the director that it "sounds like a movie we can make." The director emphasized that the project is now "Hollywood real," meaning it has studio backing but remains subject to the industry's unpredictability.
"Nic gets hit by a bus, there's no National Treasure 3. If I get hit by a bus, there's probably a National Treasure 3. Welcome to Hollywood," Turteltaub said, underscoring the tentative nature of the project. The News International noted that Turteltaub made these remarks during the podcast taping, with the audience being the first to hear the news.
Cage Expected to Return as Benjamin Gates
Nicolas Cage, who starred as historian Ben Gates in both previous films, is expected to reprise his role. Turteltaub said, "To whatever extent we can, everyone's back," suggesting that other original cast members may also return. This includes Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Jon Voight, and Harvey Keitel, who appeared in the 2004 and 2007 films.
Cage's return is notable given his previous comments. In a 2024 interview with Screen Rant, he had ruled out returning to the franchise, as noted by PerthNow. However, the director's announcement suggests that the actor may have changed his mind.
Franchise History and Cast
The first National Treasure film was released in 2004 and followed Cage's Ben Gates as he stole the Declaration of Independence to uncover a treasure map hidden by the Freemasons. The film grossed $347 million worldwide, according to The Hollywood Reporter and Variety. Its 2007 sequel, 'National Treasure: The Book of Secrets,' earned $459 million globally and added Helen Mirren and Ed Harris to the cast.
The franchise expanded to television with 'National Treasure: Edge of History' on Disney+ in 2022, but the series was canceled after one season, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and The New Indian Express.
Political Climate and Creative Considerations
Turteltaub also addressed the long delay between films, citing the changing political climate as a factor. He told the audience at the podcast taping, per Vulture, that he hopes the new movie can be "unifying in a tension-filled political climate." He added, "We have to be very careful, but I don't feel we are allowed to ignore it. I think we have to include that idea in the story somehow without making someone feel put off."
THE WEEK similarly reported that Turteltaub explained the delay by noting how much American culture has changed over the past two decades, and that the new film will reflect those changes.
No Release Date Yet
Despite the confirmed development, there is no release date or production schedule attached to National Treasure 3. Turteltaub's "Hollywood real" characterization underscores that the project, while advancing, has yet to clear all the industry hurdles required for production.
Representatives for Disney and Cage did not respond to requests for comment from The Hollywood Reporter and Variety. However, the director's public announcement has been celebrated by fans, with The News International describing it as "thrilling news" and THE WEEK calling it "long-awaited."
Next Steps
As the project moves forward, audiences can expect more details about casting and production once the studio and director finalize their plans. For now, the confirmation of a script and the director's enthusiasm mark a significant step for the franchise, offering hope that Benjamin Gates will return to the big screen after years of speculation.