Jon Turteltaub says Disney has approved National Treasure 3 script
Developed over time first seen 2 months ago
Director Jon Turteltaub has confirmed that a third instalment of the “National Treasure” franchise is now moving forward, with Disney having approved a script he says he is finally happy with. Speaking at a live recording of the “National Treasure Hunt” podcast in Philadelphia, Turteltaub said the project was “Hollywood real”, meaning production could still be affected by factors such as star availability, but that this marked the first genuine step towards a long-mooted sequel to the Nicolas Cage adventure series.
Turteltaub, who directed both the 2004 original and its 2007 sequel “Book of Secrets”, said the news had not been shared publicly before. The two existing films, in which historian Ben Gates races to secure clues to a hidden treasure before rival Ian (Sean Bean), grossed more than $800 million worldwide between them. A Disney+ spin-off series, “National Treasure: Edge of History”, starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, ran for one season in 2022. No cast details, release date or further comment from Disney or Cage have emerged since the announcement.
- Director Jon Turteltaub confirms “National Treasure 3” script is approved
- Franchise’s first two films earned over $800 million globally
- No casting, release date or studio comment confirmed yet
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The “National Treasure” films are adventure stories about Benjamin Franklin Gates, a historian and treasure hunter played by Nicolas Cage. In the first two films, he follows clues hidden in American history to uncover long-lost treasures, alongside his friends and family.
The original film was released in 2004 and was followed by “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” in 2007. Both were made by Disney and directed by Jon Turteltaub, and their commercial success made them well-known family adventure films.
Talk of a third film has continued for many years, while Disney also tried to extend the franchise with the 2022 streaming series “National Treasure: Edge of History”. Film projects can spend a long time in development, with scripts, casting and studio approval still needed before production begins.
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Originally published by Variety as “‘National Treasure 3’ Is ‘Happening,’ Says Franchise Director Jon Turteltaub”.