Updated

Updated · The Philadelphia Inquirer · Aug 22

National Treasure 3 Wins Disney-Backed Script, Bringing Nicolas Cage Back After Nearly 20 Years

Updated

Updated · The Philadelphia Inquirer · Aug 22

National Treasure 3 Wins Disney-Backed Script, Bringing Nicolas Cage Back After Nearly 20 Years

Q: Will Nicolas Cage officially return to lead the newly approved National Treasure movie, or could scheduling conflicts derail the project?

Nicolas Cage has not officially been confirmed yet, and Jon Turteltaub made clear the project could still be derailed if key people’s schedules or availability do not line up. What is confirmed is that Disney has approved a script Turteltaub likes and that the third film is now “happening” in the sense that it is actively moving forward. But Turteltaub repeatedly described it as “Hollywood real,” meaning it remains fragile at this stage. He even used Cage as the example, saying if “Nic gets hit by a bus, there’s no National Treasure,” underscoring how central Cage is to the film and how dependent the project is on him. The strongest indication so far is that the filmmakers want Cage back and are trying to reunite the original team “to whatever extent we can.” Reports from the live podcast taping also said original stars, including Cage, are in talks to return. That suggests the intention is for Cage to lead the movie again as Ben Gates. Still, there is no formal studio announcement confirming Cage’s deal, and outlets noted that representatives for Cage and Disney did not immediately comment. So the most accurate answer is that Cage is expected and clearly wanted, but his return is not yet official, and scheduling or other availability issues could still disrupt the project.

Q: After nearly two decades, what legendary artifact will Ben Gates hunt next in the long-awaited third National Treasure film?

It has not been revealed. Jon Turteltaub confirmed that a third National Treasure film is moving forward and that Disney has approved a script he likes, but he did not disclose the plot or name the artifact Ben Gates will pursue next. What is known is that the project is still in early development and is only “Hollywood real,” in Turteltaub’s words, meaning it could still change. He also said the team hopes to bring back as much of the original cast and creative group as possible, including Nicolas Cage as Ben Gates. So, after nearly two decades, the next legendary artifact remains a mystery. The announcement confirms the movie is progressing, not what treasure hunt it will center on.

3 articles · Updated · The Philadelphia Inquirer · Aug 22

Jon Turteltaub told fans in Philadelphia that “National Treasure 3” is finally happening, saying a script he and Disney like is now in place and Nicolas Cage is expected back.
Nearly 20 years after the 2004 original, Turteltaub said the long delay reflected a polarized U.S. political climate that made a patriotic adventure story harder to navigate.
The director said that tension will be addressed in the new film without alienating viewers, though he gave no plot details and did not say whether Philadelphia will appear.
Hundreds attended a free screening on Independence Mall after the announcement, part of a three-day fan weekend built around the franchise’s Philadelphia filming locations.