After years of delays, director Jon Turteltaub says the third National Treasure movie finally has a script Disney can get behind.
National Treasure 3 Is Finally Moving Forward
August 24, 2026 – Fans of the National Treasure franchise may finally have a reason to celebrate. Director Jon Turteltaub has confirmed that a third movie is officially moving forward, revealing that the long-awaited sequel now has a screenplay he likes and that Disney has indicated it could be made.
Turteltaub made the announcement during a live recording of the National Treasure Hunt podcast in Philadelphia on August 21. He told the audience that they were the first people to hear the news publicly and described the project as “Hollywood real,” while acknowledging that projects can still face unexpected obstacles before production.
The announcement marks a significant change for a movie that has been discussed for years without reaching production. While there is still no release date or confirmed filming schedule, having an approved screenplay represents the clearest progress the project has made in a long time.
Credit: Disney
Jon Turteltaub Has a Script He Actually Likes
One of the biggest developments is that the screenplay has moved beyond the repeated development stage that has kept the sequel in limbo.
Turteltaub said the team finally has a script that he likes. He also revealed that Disney responded positively to the screenplay, effectively agreeing that it was a story the studio could turn into a movie.
That does not mean cameras are ready to roll yet. Turteltaub was careful to emphasize the uncertainty that remains around any Hollywood production, even joking about the possibility of unforeseen events preventing the movie from happening.
Still, the difference this time is tangible: there is now a screenplay that the director supports and a studio willing to consider moving it forward.
Nicolas Cage’s Return Is Still Not Official
The biggest question for fans remains Nicolas Cage. The actor played historian and treasure hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates in the first two movies and has long been associated with the possibility of returning for a third adventure.
Turteltaub strongly suggested that he wants Cage back, saying that the goal is to bring back as much of the original cast as possible. However, no formal casting announcement has been made, and Cage’s participation in the third movie has not been officially confirmed.
That distinction matters after years of speculation about the sequel. For now, Ben Gates’ return remains an intention rather than a locked production detail.
The Original Franchise Began in 2004
The National Treasure franchise began with the 2004 film starring Cage as Ben Gates. The adventure followed Gates as he pursued a legendary treasure while racing to protect a hidden clue connected to the Declaration of Independence.
The movie also starred Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel and Sean Bean. It became a strong theatrical performer, earning approximately $347 million worldwide.
Its success led to a sequel three years later. National Treasure: Book of Secrets expanded the mythology while bringing back the principal cast and adding performers including Helen Mirren and Ed Harris.
Book of Secrets Left Fans With Another Mystery
The 2007 sequel earned approximately $459 million worldwide and introduced another major mystery for audiences to consider. The film ended with Ben Gates receiving a mysterious page connected to President Lincoln’s assassination, setting up the possibility of another adventure.
That unresolved thread became one of the reasons fans continued asking about a third movie. Although the franchise has been dormant on the big screen for nearly two decades, interest in seeing Cage return as Gates has remained strong.
The new screenplay could finally give the filmmakers an opportunity to revisit that world, although Turteltaub has not revealed whether the new story will directly address the clues left by the second film.
The Franchise Also Tried Television
National Treasure expanded beyond the movies in 2022 with Disney+’s National Treasure: Edge of History. The series introduced a new young protagonist and connected her story to the mythology of the films.
Catherine Zeta-Jones joined the cast, while Justin Bartha and Harvey Keitel appeared in the series, providing links to the original movies. The show ultimately lasted one season before being canceled.
Despite that television experiment, the future of the franchise now appears to be centered on the return of the original feature-film series.
The Third Movie Has Taken Years to Develop
The road to National Treasure 3 has been unusually long. Discussions about another movie continued for years after Book of Secrets, with producer Jerry Bruckheimer previously teasing progress at various points.
The lack of a finished screenplay, however, repeatedly kept the project from reaching the production stage. Turteltaub’s latest announcement suggests that hurdle has finally been overcome.
The director has also remained attached to the franchise throughout its development, having directed both original movies. His continued involvement provides some consistency for a possible third chapter.
What Could the New Movie Be About?
For now, the actual plot remains under wraps. Turteltaub has not revealed the central treasure, historical mystery or location that will drive the next adventure.
That leaves plenty of possibilities. The National Treasure films are built around historical clues, hidden artifacts, American landmarks and elaborate puzzles, so any new installment will likely need another mystery large enough to justify Ben Gates returning to action.
However, it would be premature to assume exactly what the screenplay contains. Until Disney or the filmmakers release official story details, the new film’s plot remains unknown.
The Original Cast Could Play a Major Role
Turteltaub’s comments about bringing back as much of the original cast as possible will likely fuel further speculation about who could return.
Cage remains the most important name, but the franchise’s original ensemble included Kruger as Abigail Chase and Bartha as Riley Poole, alongside Voight, Keitel and other familiar performers. None of their returns has been officially announced at this stage.
A reunion of the original team would give the third film a direct connection to the movies audiences watched in the 2000s. It could also provide a sense of continuity after the franchise spent so many years away from theaters.
When Could National Treasure 3 Arrive?
There is currently no release date for National Treasure 3, and production has not been officially scheduled.
The screenplay milestone means the movie is further along than it has been in years, but casting, financing, scheduling and production still need to be finalized. Even with Disney’s apparent support for the script, the film has not yet reached the point where audiences can expect a confirmed theatrical date.
For now, the most important development is simply that the third movie is no longer just a frequently discussed possibility. According to its director, there is finally a script that could turn the idea into reality.
Credit: Touchstone/courtesy Everett Collection
Final Thoughts
National Treasure 3 has taken an extraordinarily long route back to the big screen, but Jon Turteltaub’s latest announcement gives the franchise its strongest update in years. A screenplay is now in place, the director supports it and Disney has indicated that it could be made.
Nicolas Cage’s return and the involvement of other original cast members still need to be confirmed, while the plot and release date remain unknown. But after years of uncertainty, another National Treasure adventure is finally moving closer to becoming a real movie.
FAQs
Is National Treasure 3 officially happening?
Director Jon Turteltaub has confirmed that the third movie is moving forward and that the project now has a screenplay he likes that Disney has responded positively to.
Is Nicolas Cage returning for National Treasure 3?
Cage’s return has not been officially confirmed. Turteltaub said the goal is to bring back as much of the original cast as possible, but casting details have not been announced.
Who is directing National Treasure 3?
Jon Turteltaub, who directed the first two National Treasure movies, is returning to direct the third installment.
What is National Treasure 3 about?
The plot has not been revealed. The filmmakers have not announced the central treasure, historical mystery or specific storyline for the new movie.
When will National Treasure 3 be released?
No release date or production schedule has been announced yet.
Published by HOLR Magazine