A third National Treasure movie is moving toward production. Director Jon Turteltaub confirmed the development during a live taping of the National Treasure Hunt podcast in Philadelphia on August 22, 2026. He told the audience the project is finally real and possesses a script that satisfies both the creative team and Disney executives.
The Status of the Production
Turteltaub spoke with directness about the hurdles the project faced. While he confirmed a script exists, he managed expectations regarding the unpredictable nature of film development. He noted that in the industry, even confirmed projects remain subject to change. He specifically joked that a production is only guaranteed if he and lead actor Nicolas Cage avoid unforeseen accidents. The director emphasized that for the first time in years, Disney has expressed a willingness to move forward with the material.
Disney has declined to comment on the official status of the film. Representatives for Nicolas Cage have not responded to requests for information regarding his potential return. This lack of formal confirmation from the studio mirrors the guarded approach common for high-profile intellectual property currently in early development stages.
History and Evolution of the Franchise
The original National Treasure arrived in theaters in 2004. It introduced audiences to Ben Gates, a historian played by Nicolas Cage who steals the Declaration of Independence. The plot centered on his attempt to uncover a legendary treasure before his rivals could reach it. The film became a commercial success, generating $347 million worldwide. Its cast featured heavyweights like Harvey Keitel, Jon Voight, and Diane Kruger.
Building on that momentum, the 2007 sequel National Treasure: The Book of Secrets expanded the scope of the search. This installment performed even better at the box office, pulling in $459 million. It brought in new talent including Helen Mirren and Ed Harris. Despite this consistent track record, the franchise remained dormant for years regarding feature-length projects.
Attempts at Expansion and Future Outlook
The brand attempted a shift to the small screen with the series National Treasure: Edge of History. It debuted on Disney+ in 2022. While Justin Bartha and Harvey Keitel reprised their roles from the films, the show failed to capture a long-term audience. Disney canceled the series after one season. This outcome left the future of the entire intellectual property in question until Turteltaub's recent announcement.
Fans have spent nearly two decades waiting for a direct follow-up to the first two films. The announcement of a new script marks the most concrete movement in years. Observers should monitor whether this iteration retains the core cast or shifts toward a new set of protagonists. For now, the primary development is that the studio has finally approved a narrative path for Ben Gates to return to the screen.