Grab the Declaration of Independence and start searching for invisible clues because National Treasure 3 is finally moving forward.
After years of rumors, stalled development, and fans wondering whether Benjamin Franklin Gates would ever embark on another history-bending adventure, franchise director Jon Turteltaub has revealed that a third installment is officially in the works at Disney.
According to our friends at Deadline, Turteltaub shared the long-awaited update during a live recording of the National Treasure Hunt podcast in Philadelphia, telling the audience that the project is “finally real.”
Of course, this is Hollywood, where even buried treasure can disappear without warning. Turteltaub acknowledged that circumstances could still change, but this appears to be the most promising update the sequel has received in years.
Nicolas Cage Is Expected to Return
A third National Treasure movie simply would not feel complete without Nicolas Cage, and thankfully, he is expected to reprise his role as Benjamin Gates.
Turteltaub also revealed that a screenplay has been written and approved by both him and Disney. The filmmakers reportedly hope to bring back as many members of the original cast as possible, potentially opening the door for Diane Kruger’s Abigail Chase and Justin Bartha’s Riley Poole to return alongside Cage.
No additional casting details have been announced.
It Is Time to Talk About Page 47
Disney released the original National Treasure in 2004, followed by National Treasure: Book of Secrets in 2007. The sequel ended with the President directing Gates toward Page 47 of the President’s secret book, but audiences were never told what he discovered.
Nearly two decades later, fans are still waiting for an answer.
Whatever was written on that page appeared important enough to capture Gates’ attention, making it one of Disney’s longest-running unresolved movie mysteries. A third film would finally give the franchise an opportunity to reveal the secret and launch Benjamin Gates into another enormous adventure.
The Treasure Hunt Is Not Over Yet
Disney previously attempted to continue the franchise with the Disney+ series National Treasure: Edge of History. The show featured a new generation of treasure hunters and included appearances from returning stars Justin Bartha and Harvey Keitel, but it was canceled after one season.
While the series kept the franchise alive, fans have continued calling for the original team—and Nicolas Cage—to return.
There is currently no announced production date, release date, or complete cast for National Treasure 3. Disney has also not released an official statement announcing the film.
Still, with a screenplay reportedly approved and Turteltaub publicly confirming that the project is moving forward, the hunt for Disney’s next great historical treasure may finally be back on.
Now, somebody needs to find Page 47.
Source: Deadline
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