"It’s Finally Real": Director Jon Turteltaub Confirms ‘National Treasure 3’ is in Development
After more than two decades of anticipation, fans of one of cinema’s most beloved adventure franchises finally have reason to celebrate. Director Jon Turteltaub has officially confirmed that the long-awaited third installment of the National Treasure series is officially moving forward.
The franchise, which famously stars Nicolas Cage as the relentless treasure hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates, has been a staple of pop culture since the release of the original 2004 film and its 2007 sequel, National Treasure: Book of Secrets.
A Greenlit Screenplay
During a recent public appearance, Turteltaub offered a long-awaited update on the project, declaring, "It’s happening. You’re the first people I have said this out loud to." He underscored the gravity of the announcement by adding, "It’s finally real."
According to the director, the project has cleared a major hurdle: the screenplay. Turteltaub confirmed that a script has been written and has received official approval from both himself and the executives at Disney. The studio has reportedly reacted with enthusiasm, noting that the draft "sounds like a movie we can make."
However, in true Hollywood fashion, Turteltaub remains pragmatic about the volatile nature of film production. While the project is in advanced development, he humorously acknowledged the unpredictability of the industry. "Now, it’s ‘Hollywood real,’ meaning things can happen," he joked. "Nic gets hit by a bus, there’s no National Treasure. If I get hit by a bus, there’s probably a National Treasure. Welcome to Hollywood."
The Return of Benjamin Gates
The potential return of Nicolas Cage is the primary catalyst for the immense fan interest surrounding the third film. Cage’s portrayal of the historian and code-breaker Benjamin Gates became iconic, defining the series’ mix of American history, conspiracy theories, and high-stakes treasure hunting.
The original films also featured a strong ensemble cast, including Diane Kruger as Dr. Abigail Chase and Justin Bartha as the witty sidekick Riley Poole. While casting for the third installment is still being finalized, the production team has made it clear that a film centered on Cage’s character remains the primary goal.
Ongoing Support from Jerry Bruckheimer
Legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer has been a driving force behind the franchise’s survival. Despite the 2022 release of the Disney+ television series National Treasure: Edge of History—which featured appearances by Bartha and Harvey Keitel—Bruckheimer has consistently maintained that a theatrical follow-up with Cage was always a priority.
"We were developing National Treasure for the theaters with Nicolas Cage—which we still are. So, that’s ongoing," Bruckheimer previously stated. The National Treasure Hunt podcast recently confirmed that the veteran producer has given his formal blessing to the latest version of the screenplay, signaling a unified front behind the film’s development.
As fans wait for further production updates, they can look forward to seeing Nicolas Cage on the big screen in other capacities, including his upcoming role as football legend John Madden in the biographical drama Madden, currently slated for a November 2026 release. For now, however, the treasure hunt for the third film is officially back on.
