Nicolas Cage’s Return? Shocking Updates on National Treasure 3’s Future

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As a fan, I’ve eagerly awaited news about Disney’s development of “National Treasure 3,” which could possibly bring back our beloved franchise since 2007’s “Book of Secrets.” Over the years, there have been discussions, but progress has been somewhat sluggish. Here’s an update on its current status and whether or not Nicolas Cage will reprise his role as Benjamin Gates.

Nicolas Cage on National Treasure 3

In a Reddit Ask Me Anything session held in 2022, Cage addressed rumors of his comeback, clarifying that Disney was primarily concentrating on their television series.

“No, the priority was to turn it into a TV show, so I would say probably not.”

In March 2024, Cage again dismissed the idea that the film was moving forward, telling Ebaster:

I’m sorry for any disappointment, but as of now, there isn’t a third installment of ‘National Treasure’. If you’re searching for hidden treasures, perhaps it wouldn’t be wise to turn to Disney. They don’t seem to have one at the moment.

After that point, Cage has been engaged in various other ventures, such as “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent” and “Renfield”. Although some enthusiasts may be eager for his comeback, his recent statements indicate a level of uncertainty about the possibility of “National Treasure 3” materializing.

National Treasure 3 Script and Production Updates

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer on the Sequel

Two weeks later, producer Jerry Bruckheimer told Movie Web:

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the possibility of a new National Treasure adventure! We’ve been diligently working on scripting a third installment for quite some time now. Currently, we have an exceptionally talented writer crafting the storyline, and if all goes smoothly, we’ll share the finished product with Nic [Cage]. If he finds it as intriguing as we do, then we’ll embark on another thrilling journey together! Fingers crossed!

Director Jon Turteltaub on Development

According to Director Jon Turteltaub, who spoke on the National Treasure Hunt podcast in May 2024, the script for the upcoming project is still being worked on. He expressed enthusiasm about potentially reuniting the original cast, though he did not specify an exact date for when filming might begin.

“Absolutely, we need to act quickly because people are growing older, losing interest, and experiencing life changes, while the world and our culture continue to evolve significantly since the first movie was released. This transformation encompasses social, political, and linguistic aspects, as well as various cultural shifts. It’s crucial to stay updated and adapt with these changes, ensuring our actions are appropriate… Making a sequel isn’t just a simple task anymore; it requires careful consideration. I can assure you, Justin Bartha has certainly improved his looks over the past 20 years!

Screenwriter Ted Elliott on the Storyline

Last August, screenwriter Ted Elliot shared some plot details on the “National Treasure Hunt” podcast as well.

Riley has undergone a significant transformation compared to other characters, as evident from his roles in the first and second movies. Initially, he was just like any ordinary audience member, questioning and seeking clarification. However, by the second movie, he had penned a book on cryptohistory, proving his knowledge to be accurate and surpassing Ben’s historical understanding. Given this progression, it seems likely that Riley’s knowledge has only grown since then, making it increasingly challenging to present historical exposition as there are now things he can already know.

Regarding the script for the third film, I believe there’s an opportunity to shift the dynamic between Ben and Riley on a personal level, which I feel the actors will find quite appealing.

Agent Sukhysky is no more. I’m considering the TV series as authentic… I’m attempting to bring a unique twist to the FBI, deviating from the portrayal in the past two films. There are still the chase and upholding justice, but I aim to present their methods slightly differently.

What About the National Treasure TV Series?

Instead of producing a third film, Disney opted to create “National Treasure: Edge of History,” a Disney+ series featuring a fresh cast. This series premiered in 2022, focusing on a new main character portrayed by Lisette Olivera, who embarks on an adventure to uncover historical mysteries.

The series was canceled after one season, but per Ted Elliott above, it remains canon.

National Treasure 3: Everything We Know So Far

  • Nicolas Cage has denied that the film is happening.
  • Once the script us done, it will be sent to Nicolas Cage for his approval.
  • Jerry Bruckheimer remains attached as a producer.
  • Director Jon Turteltaub has said the script is still being worked on.
  • Ted Elliot is the writer.
  • Disney+ attempted to revive the franchise with a TV series, which was canceled after one season.
  • The Disney+ series remains canon.

As of now, the third installment of “National Treasure” hasn’t set a definite release schedule yet. It’s uncertain if Nicolas Cage will rejoin the cast, leaving the series’ continuation up in the air.

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2025-02-24 19:01