A Long-Awaited Sequel Confirmed
Director Jon Turteltaub confirmed that National Treasure 3 is in development. The filmmaker shared the news during a live taping of the National Treasure Hunt podcast held in Philadelphia. He stated that the project is officially moving forward after years of speculation surrounding the franchise.
While details remain sparse, the director emphasized that the production is currently in the scripting phase. He made it clear that he intends to bring back the original creative team whenever possible. This announcement marks the first time a primary creative voice from the franchise has publicly validated the status of a third installment.
The Realities of Hollywood Production
Turteltaub offered a grounded assessment of the film's progress. He described the project as being in a state of Hollywood reality. This phrasing indicates that while a script is in development, the project faces the common hurdles of major studio financing, talent scheduling, and the various logistical complications inherent in large-scale motion picture production.
He jokingly noted that his own health or the availability of key stars could still affect the timeline. Despite these standard industry variables, his confirmation provides the most definitive update on the potential film since the conclusion of the second movie in 2007. The director noted that the audience at the live event was the first group of people to hear the news directly from him.
Context of the National Treasure Franchise
The original National Treasure arrived in theaters in 2004. It introduced audiences to historian Ben Gates, played by Nicolas Cage, who searches for hidden treasure using historical clues. The film found a significant audience, earning $347 million at the global box office. Its success led to a sequel, National Treasure: The Book of Secrets, which surpassed the original with $459 million in worldwide ticket sales.
Following the success of the films, Disney attempted to expand the brand through television. The series National Treasure: Edge of History debuted on Disney+ in 2022. That project failed to capture the same momentum as the movies and ended after a single season. The current news regarding a third film suggests that the studio is looking to return to the core cinematic narrative that defined the franchise two decades ago. Observers are now watching for official statements from Disney regarding distribution or casting timelines.