Full Breakdown
National Treasure 3 Confirmed: Script Approved, Nicolas Cage Set to Return
8/25/2026, 6:15:37 AM
Core Event
On August 21 2026, director Jon Turteltaub announced at a live taping of the *National Treasure Hunt* podcast in Philadelphia that a third film in the franchise is “finally real.” He told the audience that a screenplay has been approved by both himself and Disney, and that lead actor Nicolas Cage is expected to reprise his role as Benjamin Franklin Gates. The announcement marks the first public confirmation after nearly two decades of speculation.
Background & Context
The original *National Treasure* (2004) introduced Gates’ quest to steal the Declaration of Independence, grossing $347 million worldwide. Its sequel, *National Treasure: Book of Secrets* (2007), earned $459 million and left the “Page 47” mystery unresolved. A Disney+ series, *National Treasure: Edge of History* (2022), attempted to revive the brand but was cancelled after one season. Over the years, producers and the director repeatedly cited script development and studio priorities as obstacles to a third installment.
Data & Statistics
- 2004 film: $347 million worldwide box office (reported by Deadline).
- 2007 sequel: $459 million worldwide box office (reported by Deadline).
- Development gap: ~19 years between the second film and the current announcement.
Official Statements & Responses
Turteltaub explained that the political climate in the United States has complicated the franchise’s patriotic premise, saying the new story will need to acknowledge current divisions without alienating audiences. Disney’s response, conveyed through the director, was that the studio finds the screenplay acceptable: “OK, this sounds like a movie we can make” — attributed to Disney via the *Hollywood Reporter*. Several outlets (e.g., *The Hollywood Reporter*, *Variety*) noted that Disney declined to provide additional comment.
Criticism & Opposition
Film critic Christian Toto (founder and editor of *Hollywood in Toto*) argued that the need to address politics signals a broader cultural shift: “*It sounds like Turteltaub, a veteran Hollywood director who isn’t known for his political views, was accurately assessing how Hollywood views patriotism and the political divide*.” history.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s happening. You’re the first people I have said this out loud to.” — Jon Turteltaub, director
- “We have to be very careful, but I don’t feel we are allowed to ignore it,” — Jon Turteltaub, director
- “OK, this sounds like a movie we can make.” — The Disney, both the director
- “Nic 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.” — Jon Turteltaub, director
- “National Treasure 3 is happening. Thank you,” — Jon Turteltaub, director
What’s Next
No production start date, release schedule, or final cast list has been announced. The director emphasized that “Hollywood real” still allows for unforeseen setbacks, meaning the project could remain in development for an indeterminate period. Fans will have to await further updates from Disney and the production team.
