Nearly two decades after National Treasure: Book of Secrets left audiences with a tantalizing mystery about “page 47” of the President’s Book, hopes for a third installment in the beloved adventure franchise have been reignited. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed that National Treasure 3 is still in active development and, most excitingly, that Nicolas Cage may once again reprise his role as treasure hunter Ben Gates.
The original National Treasure, directed by Jon Turteltaub, debuted in 2004 and quickly became a fan favorite as one of Cage’s most family-friendly yet iconic roles. Its 2007 sequel expanded the mythology and ended on a cliffhanger that has left fans speculating for nearly twenty years. While Disney temporarily shifted attention away from the films by producing the Disney+ spin-off series National Treasure: Edge of History, the show’s short run nevertheless helped keep the franchise present in the cultural conversation.
In a recent interview, Bruckheimer stressed that the purpose of the series was to maintain audience engagement with the brand until conditions were right for a proper film sequel. Now, according to him, that timing is approaching. He shared that the expectation is for both Nicolas Cage and director Jon Turteltaub to return, with the project moving closer to reality. “We’re getting closer on that one,” Bruckheimer commented, hinting at a significant step forward.
That said, fan excitement has been tempered by mixed signals from Cage himself. Earlier in 2024, the actor dismissed the idea of a third installment, bluntly stating, “No, there is no *National Treasure 3. If you want to find treasure, don’t look at Disney, okay? It’s not there.” His skepticism seemed to conflict with updates from both Turteltaub and longtime franchise writer Ted Elliot, who revealed that a first draft of the script had already been completed, including the return of familiar characters like Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger) and Riley Poole (Justin Bartha).
Bruckheimer’s latest comments, however, suggest that Cage may have softened his stance since then. Work on the script has reportedly continued for more than a year since Elliot’s draft, making it clear that development has not stalled. If the screenplay is finalized soon, filming could begin in 2026, with a potential release window stretching into 2027 or 2028.
Still, the long passage of time since the last film raises questions about whether audiences will remain invested enough to revisit unfinished storylines like the mystery of page 47. Yet, bringing Cage back as Ben Gates is seen as the key to recapturing the franchise’s spark. With Cage, Kruger, and Bartha possibly reuniting under Turteltaub’s direction, National Treasure 3 could deliver the long-awaited continuation fans have wanted for nearly twenty years.
As of now, the wait continues, but Bruckheimer’s optimism gives fans renewed reason to believe that the hunt for hidden secrets and legendary treasures is not yet over.
