The long-awaited third installment of the beloved treasure-hunting franchise, *National Treasure*, has been given the green light, much to the delight of fans. Director Jon Turteltaub, who helmed the original films, recently shared this exciting news during a live recording of the *National Treasure Hunt* podcast.
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In what marks a significant announcement for the franchise, Turteltaub confirmed that Nicolas Cage will reprise his iconic role as Ben Gates. This revelation has generated considerable buzz, given that Cage starred in the previous two films released in 2004 and 2007. During the podcast event on 21 August, Turteltaub enthusiastically proclaimed, “It’s happening,” capturing the audience’s attention with his energy and excitement.
The discussion surrounding a potential third film has swirled for years, with fans eagerly speculating about its possibilities after the 2007 sequel, *National Treasure: Book of Secrets*. Turteltaub added to the anticipation by revealing, “You’re the first people I’ve said this out loud to. I have not said anything before this, but you deserve to have the scoop… We finally have a script that I like.” This affirmation gives fans hope that a third film is not just an idea but is indeed moving towards reality.
However, Turteltaub offered a dose of Hollywood realism by jokingly noting the inherent unpredictability of the industry. He remarked, “Now, it’s ‘Hollywood real,’ meaning things could happen. Nic [Cage] 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.” This humorous take illustrates the fragile nature of film production but ultimately conveys his commitment to bringing the project to fruition.
The *National Treasure* franchise, produced by Turteltaub and Jerry Bruckheimer, has captivated audiences with its unique blend of adventure and history. The series follows Ben Gates, a historian and cryptologist on a quest for treasure concealed within the United States Declaration of Independence. Alongside Cage, the original films featured a star-studded cast, including Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Harvey Keitel, Jon Voight, Sean Bean, and Christopher Plummer, contributing to its wide appeal.
The sequel introduced notable talents like Helen Mirren and Ed Harris, further elevating the narrative. Additionally, the franchise saw a new chapter in 2022 with the release of *National Treasure: Edge of History*, a Disney+ series featuring Lisette Olivera alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones. This continuation indicated that the franchise remains relevant and capable of adapting to modern storytelling formats.
While Turteltaub confirmed Cage’s return as Ben Gates, additional casting details remain under wraps. The director light-heartedly referred to the audience as “the worst audience for this movie,” implying that high expectations will accompany this new chapter. Fans, particularly those who have followed the character’s journey, will undoubtedly have strong hopes for the storyline and character development.
Kruger, who portrayed Abigail Chase, Gates’s love interest, has also continued to find success in her career, most recently appearing alongside Cage in the new series *Spider-Noir* on MGM+ and Prime Video. Meanwhile, Cage is set to return to animation as Ben Reilly in the upcoming *Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse*. He is also taking on the role of John Madden in an upcoming football biopic, which will debut on Prime Video on 18 November.
As excitement builds for *National Treasure 3*, fans are left to ponder the potential escapades that await Gates and his companions. With a commitment from Turteltaub and Cage, the possibility of unearthing hidden treasures once again seems tantalisingly close. Fans are advised to stay tuned for further updates, as the details of this much-anticipated sequel continue to unfold.