National Treasure 3 Is Finally in the Works
More than two decades after the original film hit theaters, National Treasure 3 is finally moving forward. Director Jon Turteltaub has confirmed that a third movie in the Nicolas Cage-led adventure franchise is now in development.
Turteltaub shared the news during a live recording of the National Treasure Hunt podcast in Philadelphia on Friday. He said the team finally has a script that he likes and that Disney has responded positively to it.
“It’s happening,” Turteltaub told the audience, revealing that they were among the first people to hear the news directly from him.
Jon Turteltaub Confirms the Third Movie
Turteltaub, who directed both National Treasure and its 2007 sequel National Treasure: Book of Secrets, described the project as “finally real.”
However, he also pointed out that Hollywood projects can change at any time.
The director joked about the unpredictable nature of the film industry while explaining that the project has reached a much more serious stage.
For fans who have waited years for another adventure, the confirmation marks an important development.
Disney Approves the National Treasure 3 Script
According to Turteltaub, the team now has a completed script that he believes works as a movie.
More importantly, Disney has also indicated that the script sounds like a project the studio could make.
That does not necessarily mean filming will begin immediately. However, the approval gives National Treasure 3 a stronger chance of reaching production after years of uncertainty.
Nicolas Cage Could Return as Ben Gates
Nicolas Cage has played historian and treasure hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates in the first two films.
The original National Treasure, released in 2004, followed Ben Gates as he searched for a legendary treasure hidden by America’s Founding Fathers.
His search eventually led him to a dangerous clue connected to the Declaration of Independence.
The 2007 sequel, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, continued Ben’s adventures and expanded the franchise’s historical mystery.
Turteltaub’s latest announcement raises fresh questions about whether Cage will return to the role.
What Could National Treasure 3 Be About?
Details about the new film’s story remain under wraps.
The original movies mixed American history, hidden clues, secret societies and international treasure hunting. That combination helped make the franchise popular with audiences.
The first two films also featured a cast that included Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Jon Voight and Sean Bean.
For now, the filmmakers have not revealed the plot, release date or complete cast for the third installment.
National Treasure Franchise Earned More Than $800 Million
The first two National Treasure movies performed strongly at the global box office.
Together, they earned more than $800 million worldwide, helping establish the franchise as one of Disney’s recognizable adventure properties.
A third movie could therefore bring the series back to a large international audience.
For longtime fans, the biggest question now is whether Ben Gates will once again follow a trail of historical clues to uncover another legendary treasure.
National Treasure Fans Finally Have Good News
For years, fans have speculated about another installment in the franchise. Turteltaub’s latest comments provide the clearest indication yet that the project has moved beyond the idea stage.
Although Hollywood plans can still change, the combination of an approved script and Disney’s interest gives National Treasure 3 a genuine path toward production.
After more than 20 years, Ben Gates may finally be preparing for another treasure hunt.
