Nicolas Cage has played several characters, from Ghost Rider to the recent Spider-Man, but the fan base for his role in ‘National Treasure’ is immense. More than two decades after the original ‘National Treasure’ movie arrived in theatres, the adventure franchise is finally moving toward a third instalment. Director Jon Turteltaub confirmed with a news portal that ‘National Treasure 3’ is in development. Nicolas Cage is expected to reprise his role as treasure hunter Benjamin Gates.The latest update has renewed interest in the franchise. The first movie was released in 2004, followed by ‘National Treasure: Book of Secrets’ in 2007. Both movies were directed by Jon Turteltaub and featured Nicolas Cage in the lead role.
Jon Turteltaub confirms ‘National Treasure 3’
Jon Turteltaub recently opened up about the long-awaited project and revealed that the third movie has reached an important stage. According to E! News, the director made the announcement during a recent appearance.“I was thinking about mentioning this tonight; I’ll say it tonight,” Jon Turteltaub said before revealing the news. He then confirmed, “It’s happening. You’re the first people I have said this out loud to.”The filmmaker further emphasised the progress of the project by stating, “It’s finally real.”
Script is ready and approved
Jon Turteltaub also provided an update on the screenplay. According to the director, a script for ‘National Treasure 3’ has already been written.He revealed that both he and Disney have approved the screenplay. The studio has also responded positively to the script, saying it “sounds like a movie we can make.”Despite the progress, Jon Turteltaub made it clear that the project is not completely guaranteed to reach production. He pointed out that Hollywood projects can change for several reasons, even after reaching an advanced stage.“Now, it’s ‘Hollywood real,’ meaning things can happen,” he explained. The director then joked, “Nic gets hit by a bus, there’s no National Treasure. If I get hit by a bus, there’s probably a National Treasure. Welcome to Hollywood, that’s Hollywood,” as quoted by E! News.
Nicolas Cage’s Benjamin Gates could return
Nicolas Cage has been at the centre of the ‘National Treasure’ franchise since its beginning. He plays Benjamin Gates, a historian and treasure hunter who becomes involved in mysteries linked to America’s past.In the first movie, Benjamin Gates teams up with Dr Abigail Chase, played by Diane Kruger, and Riley Poole, portrayed by Justin Bartha. Their search revolves around a legendary treasure connected to the Freemasons and the Declaration of Independence.The cast also included Jon Voight and Harvey Keitel. Most of the key characters returned for ‘National Treasure: Book of Secrets’ in 2007.
Jerry Bruckheimer has backed the movie
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer is also supporting the development of the third instalment. The National Treasure Hunt podcast recently noted on Instagram that the producer had given the ‘National Treasure 3’ screenplay his “blessing.”Jerry Bruckheimer had previously discussed another theatrical movie in the franchise. In 2022, he said that the team was working on a new ‘National Treasure’ project.“We said we’d like to make another National Treasure and they said, ‘Sure, let’s come up with a new cast,’” Jerry Bruckheimer told the news portal.He also confirmed that a separate project involving Nicolas Cage was still being pursued. “At the same time, we were developing National Treasure for the theatres with Nicolas Cage- which we still are. So, that’s ongoing.”
‘National Treasure’ universe after ‘Book of Secrets’
The franchise later expanded through the ‘National Treasure: Edge of History’. Released in 2022.Justin Bartha and Harvey Keitel appeared in the series. The show also brought attention to the mystery surrounding page 47 of the Book of Secrets, which was an unresolved element from the second movie.On the other hand, Nicolas Cage is also set to star as football legend John Madden in the upcoming biographical movie ‘Madden,’ which is scheduled to premiere worldwide on November 18, 2026.
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