Turteltaub, who directed both films, had previously remained silent on the
Director Jon Turteltaub announced that a third installment in the National Treasure franchise is officially in development, revealing the news during a live podcast recording in Philadelphia. Speaking to fans at the National Treasure Hunt podcast event, he confirmed that a screenplay has been written and the project is moving forward after years of speculation. This marks the first public acknowledgment from the director about the long-awaited sequel. The original National Treasure films, released in 2004 and 2007, starred Nicolas Cage as Benjamin Gates, a historian and treasure hunter who deciphers historical clues to uncover lost artifacts. The movies blended adventure, history, and puzzle-solving, becoming popular for their family-friendly tone and engaging mysteries.
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Anne Hathaway’s ‘Jurassic Park’ Replacement Is Officially Chasing Down M. Night Shyamalan’s Sci-Fi FlopTurteltaub, who directed both films, had previously remained silent on the possibility of a third movie, despite ongoing interest from fans and cast members. What Changed to Make National Treasure 3 Possible Now Turteltaub explained that the timing finally felt right after years of developing ideas and waiting for the right story. He emphasized that the team wanted to avoid rushing a sequel unless it could match the spirit and intelligence of the originals. The completed screenplay, he said, respects the legacy of the franchise while introducing fresh historical puzzles and locations. He also noted that Nicolas Cage’s continued enthusiasm for the role played a key role in greenlighting the project. Will the Original Cast Return for the Sequel While Turteltaub did not confirm the full cast, he expressed hope that Nicolas Cage would reprise his role as Benjamin Gates, calling the character integral to the story’s heart.
He also hinted at the possibility of returning characters from the first two films, though no official casting announcements have been made. The director stressed that any sequel would prioritize continuity and authenticity in its historical references. Frequently Asked Questions Is National Treasure 3 officially happening? Yes, director Jon Turteltaub confirmed during a live podcast event in Philadelphia that the third film is in development and a screenplay has been completed. Will Nicolas Cage return as Benjamin Gates? Turteltaub expressed strong hope that Nicolas Cage would return, stating the character is essential to the story, though no formal casting has been announced yet. When can fans expect to see National Treasure 3? No release date or production timeline has been shared, as the project is still in early development following the script completion.
