National Treasure is a beloved Disney live-action franchise that has touched many hearts. The action-adventure films with Nicolas Cage were big hits in the mid-2000s.
After the success of 2007’s Book of Secrets, fans hoped for a third film, but it didn’t happen for over ten years. Recently, there have been promising signs for a third film, and screenwriter Ted Elliot has shared exciting updates about it.
In a recent interview on the National Treasure Hunt podcast via Screen Rant, Elliot discussed the progress of National Treasure 3. He revealed that he has finished the first draft of the script, although “nobody has gotten it yet.” Elliot mentioned that Riley Pool, played by Justin Bartha, has evolved more than any other character.
In the first movie, Riley was the person who asked questions about the treasure hunt. In the second film, he wrote a book on cryptohistory and knew more about history than Ben Gates. Elliot hinted that Riley’s growth will continue in the third movie and that Ben and Riley’s relationship will also change, which both actors will enjoy.
What is ‘National Treasure 3’ About?
Riley Pool, played by Justin Bartha, was also in the Disney+ series National Treasure: Edge of History, which aired in 2022. The show introduced a new group of young treasure hunters led by Lisette Olivera and Jake Austin Walker.
Although the series didn’t get a second season, Elliot confirmed that it will be part of the National Treasure universe. He said, “Agent Sudusky is dead. I’m treating the TV series as canon … I’m trying to do something different with the FBI than was done in the previous two movies.”
Elliot explained that while the FBI will still be involved, the way they operate will be different. In the series, it was revealed that Agent Hendricks was secretly the villain Salazar and killed Sudusky, hinting at further FBI corruption.
As National Treasure 3 is still in early development, the details about the treasure Ben Gates and his team will hunt remain unknown. However, Elliot teased that Nicolas Cage, Justin Bartha, and Diane Kruger might return.
Other familiar faces from the franchise and possibly some from Edge of History could also make appearances. Fans are eagerly waiting for more news about National Treasure 3 and the secrets of Page 47. Meanwhile, you can watch the previous films and Edge of History on Disney+.
