Summary (tl;dr)

Director Jon Turteltaub has officially confirmed that "National Treasure 3" is in development with a script approved by Disney, and Nicolas Cage is expected to reprise his role as Benjamin Gates, exciting fans who have awaited the sequel for nearly two decades.

Essential Background

The "National Treasure" franchise, owned by The Walt Disney Company, consists of two successful theatrical films released in 2004 and 2007, starring Nicolas Cage as historian and treasure hunter Benjamin Gates. Despite the box office success of the first two movies, which together grossed over $800 million worldwide, a third installment has been stuck in development limbo for many years, leading to mixed signals and fan uncertainty. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer had provided intermittent updates since 2010, confirming in May 2024 that screenwriter Ted Elliott was attached to the project and stating in late 2025 that the film was "getting closer." However, Nicolas Cage himself had expressed doubt as recently as March 2024, saying "there is no National Treasure 3." The franchise also saw a brief expansion with a Disney+ streaming series, "National Treasure: Edge of History," which premiered in 2022 but was canceled after one season.

The Full Story

The long-awaited sequel, "National Treasure 3," has officially been confirmed by director Jon Turteltaub. He made the announcement during a live taping of the "National Treasure Hunt" podcast at the Independence Visitor Center in Philadelphia, as part of the city's first "National Treasure Weekend" on Friday. Turteltaub revealed to a stunned audience that the project is "finally real" and that a script, approved by both him and Disney, is in place. He also stated that Nicolas Cage is expected to return to his iconic role as Benjamin Gates. While emphasizing that it's "Hollywood real," meaning plans can still change, the director's announcement has ignited significant interest among fans. Turteltaub also hinted that the third film might address political polarization, a factor he cited as one reason for the nearly two-decade delay.

Why It Matters

The confirmation of "National Treasure 3" is highly significant for long-time fans of the adventure franchise who have been hoping for a continuation of Benjamin Gates's story for nearly two decades. The return of Nicolas Cage, a central figure to the films' appeal, is a major draw, promising the familiar blend of historical mystery and high-stakes treasure hunting. This news revitalizes a beloved Disney property that many thought was dormant, especially after the cancellation of the "Edge of History" series. The film's potential exploration of political themes, as hinted by the director, could also offer a timely and relevant layer to the classic adventure format. This announcement taps into a broader trend of reviving popular comfort franchises with their original stars, underscoring the enduring appeal of "National Treasure" to audiences.

Geographic Location

• Independence Visitor Center, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, United States (Director Jon Turteltaub confirmed "National Treasure 3" is happening during a live podcast taping)