National Treasure 3 has been a topic of discussion and speculation for years, and after a long wait, there’s finally some concrete news about the highly anticipated third installment. The film, which has been in development hell for nearly two decades, is now showing signs of progress. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming movie.
A Brief Recap of National Treasure’s Journey
The first National Treasure movie was released in 2004, starring Nicolas Cage as Benjamin Gates, a treasure hunter on a mission to steal the Declaration of Independence to uncover a hidden treasure map. Despite mixed reviews, the film became a cult classic, grossing over $347 million worldwide. The success led to a sequel, National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007), which grossed over $459 million and left fans eagerly awaiting a third film.
Development Hell and Mixed Messages
Despite the commercial success of the first two films, National Treasure 3 has struggled to get off the ground. Over the years, numerous rumors and updates have surfaced, leaving fans with mixed messages. In 2020, Disney and producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed that a third movie was in development, with Chris Bremner (Bad Boys: Ride or Die) set to pen the script. However, the project remained in limbo for years.
Recent Updates: Ted Elliot’s Involvement
The most significant update came recently when screenwriter Ted Elliot appeared on the National Treasure Hunt podcast. Elliot revealed that he has completed the first draft of the script and provided insight into the direction of the film. He teased a shift in the dynamic between Ben Gates and his tech-savvy sidekick, Riley Poole, played by Justin Bartha. According to Elliot, Riley’s character has undergone significant development since the last film, evolving from a clueless sidekick to a knowledgeable historian.
The Fate of National Treasure: Edge of History
While fans waited for the third film, Disney+ released National Treasure: Edge of History in 2022, a spin-off series following Jess Valenzuela (Lisette Olivera) on her treasure-hunting adventures. Unfortunately, the show was met with poor reviews and was canceled after one season. Despite this, Elliot confirmed that the series is considered canon and hinted at incorporating elements from it into the third movie.
The Return of the Original Cast and Director
One of the most exciting aspects of National Treasure 3 is the return of the original cast. Director Jon Turteltaub, who helmed the first two films, is reportedly involved in developing the third movie, with Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, and Justin Bartha expected to reprise their roles. The inclusion of these familiar faces has fans hopeful that the new film will recapture the magic of the originals.
Bruckheimer’s Optimism and Cage’s Skepticism
While Jerry Bruckheimer remains optimistic about the project’s future, Nicolas Cage has expressed skepticism. In recent interviews, Cage has downplayed the possibility of a third film, suggesting that Disney’s focus has shifted elsewhere. However, Bruckheimer continues to work on the script and hopes to secure Cage’s involvement once it’s completed.
What’s Next for National Treasure 3?
As of now, the script for National Treasure 3 is still being refined, with no official release date announced. Fans remain hopeful that the long-awaited threequel will finally come to fruition and provide a satisfying conclusion to the treasure-hunting saga.
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