Director Jon Turteltaub has announced that a third installment of the National Treasure film franchise is officially in development. Speaking at a live "National Treasure Hunt" podcast event, the director noted that Disney has already approved the script and the return of the original cast is anticipated.
A screenplay approved by Disney and Jon Turteltaub
The National Treasure franchise, which debuted in 2004, is set for a major revival. According to the report, director Jon Turteltaub confirmed that a screenplay has been approved by both himself and Disney. This follows the high-stakes trajectory of the previous films, where the protagonist, Benjamin Franklin Gates, moved from protecting the Declaration of Independence to the "absurd" premise of kidnapping the President of the United States in the sequel.
The development of this third chapter aims to build upon the legacy established by the initial 2004 feature. As the source notes, the sequel was specifically designed to "ratchet it up" from the original's premise, ensuring the stakes were higher and more interesting for the audience. This new project appears to be leaning back into that cinematic scale after a brief detour into television.
Nicolas Cage’s 45-year career and the "hit by a bus" uncertainty
Nicolas Cage, the 59-year-old star of the series, remains cautiously optimistic about the third film. In an interview with Uproxx, Cage reflected on his 45-year career in cinema, noting that while the project feels "finally real," the volatility of Hollywood remains a factor. He humorously pointed out the inherent risks of production, stating, "Nic gets hit by a bus, there's no more 'National Treasure.'"
Cage's perspective highlights the tension between the excitement of a franchise revival and the practical realities of long-term film development. while the actor has expressed high hopes for the project,his comments suggest a level of professional realism regarding the stability of major stuudio productions.
The shadow of the canceled Edge of History series
This move toward a feature film follows a period of experimentation for the franchise on streaming platforms. Disney+ released the series National Treasure: Edge of History in the summer of 2022, featuring Lisette Olivera as Jess Valenzuela. However, as the source reports, the series was canceled in April 2024, making the return to the big screen a significant shift in Disney's strategy for the IP.
The cancellation of the television series suggests that Disney may be looking to return to the proven success of the theatrical format rather than the character-driven ensemble approach seen in the streaming version. By returning to the original cast, the studio is clearly prioritizing the established chemistry of the film franchise.
Which production hurdles did Jon Turteltaub mention?
Despite the excitement surrounding the announcement, several details remain unverified. while Turteltaub has stated that "everyone's back" to the greatest extent possible, the production has not confirmed which specific cast members will return alongside Cage. Furthermore, the director alluded to certain "hurdles" the crew must navigate before filming can begin, but he has not yet identified what these obstacles are or provided a timeline for production.
It remains to be seen whether these hurdles are financial, logistical,or related to the scheduling of the original ensemble. Until a filming date is set, the project remains in the active development phase rather than active production.
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