National Treasure 3 has been in development for a while, and it is now moving one step closer to hitting the big screen.
In the movie, National Treasure, featuring Nicolas Cage and Diane Kruger, the Gates family embarks on a series of grand quests to recover missing American historical documents. The initial film in 2004 was a huge hit, leading to a sequel in 2007 called National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets. In this sequel, the Gates family delves into a family conspiracy theory related to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.
More than 15 years have passed since the last National Treasure installment, and fans have been eagerly awaiting another film. The wait is finally over, as producer Jerry Bruckheimer announced in 2022 that the script has been written, pending actor Nicolas Cage’s approval. Recently, in December of that year, National Treasure co-star Justin Bartha confirmed the script’s existence. He mentioned that the series director and screenwriter Jon Turteltaub had been approached but, like Cage, had yet to confirm his involvement. Bartha also expressed his willingness to reprise his role as Riley Poole if asked.
‘Book of Secrets’ Set Up A Third Film Back in 2007
In the middle of National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Gates takes drastic action by kidnapping the President of the United States to obtain vital information about the titular Book. After the president verifies the existence of the legendary Book and provides Gates with clues on where to locate it, he advises the historian to check out Page 47. This detail becomes significant at the end of the film, where Gates discovers the treasure and informs the POTUS. The president queries him about Page 47, and Gates confirms that he examined it, describing the contents as “life-altering.” This revelation excites fans but perplexes Gates’ colleagues, Riley Poole and Abigail Chase.
There has been much speculation about the contents of page 47 in the President’s Book of Secrets in National Treasure 2, and the mystery surrounding National Treasure Page 47 could potentially be the foundation for the eagerly anticipated National Treasure 3.
After Book of Secrets, the development of National Treasure 3 began with writers Carlo Bernard and Doug Miro hired to work on the script at Disney. However, progress slowed down in 2013, with producer Jerry Bruckheimer mentioning that the script for National Treasure 3, though likely not happening, was still in the works. By 2018, director Jon Turteltaub acknowledged that the development had stalled because Disney had other priorities. Nevertheless, hints about a mysterious Page 47 from the President in National Treasure 2 indicated that the stage was already set for a new adventure.
National Treasure 3 cast speculation
National Treasure 3 relies on Nicolas Cage reprising his role as Benjamin Franklin Gates; therefore, the movie will only move forward if he decides to return.
Justin Bartha is actively considered to return as Ben’s close friend, Riley Poole. He even appeared in the brief Disney Plus series National Treasure: Edge of History. In 2022, Bartha expressed to Variety that a third movie is a “no-brainer” if the team reunites.
Diane Kruger provided a “never say never” response in January 2022 when asked about a third movie, indicating she might return as Ben’s partner, Dr. Abigail Chase. With this, the core trio is set to lead us through a nostalgic new adventure.
Keanu Reeves becomes part of the adventure
In an unexpected turn, Keanu Reeves is set to join the cast. Renowned for his roles in films like John Wick, his inclusion has led to various speculations. Will he be an ally or a formidable opponent to Cage’s character? Only time will reveal the answer.
Connection to the spin-off
With the debut of the spin-off, National Treasure: Edge of History, there’s speculation that the third movie could exist in the same universe, showcasing characters from both the original series and the spin-off.
When does National Treasure 3 come out?
While Disney has not provided any official details about National Treasure 3, it’s unlikely that the film will be released before 2025. With no official announcement, cast information, or filming underway, it appears that eager fans may have to exercise patience before the next adventure unfolds on the big screen.
