After years of uncertainty and speculation, producer Jerry Bruckheimer has given fans a long-awaited update on National Treasure 3. In a recent interview with TheWrap, Bruckheimer confirmed that the film is actively moving forward, with both Nicolas Cage and original director Jon Turteltaub expected to return.
“We’re getting closer on that one,” Bruckheimer said, fueling optimism among moviegoers who have spent nearly two decades waiting for another treasure-hunting adventure with Ben Gates.
The original National Treasure debuted in 2004 and quickly became one of Nicolas Cage’s most beloved roles. With his signature intensity and charm, Cage’s portrayal of the historian and adventurer Benjamin Franklin Gates helped the film gross over $347 million worldwide.
The sequel, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, followed in 2007, expanding on the franchise’s love of American history and cryptic clues. It was another major success, grossing $459 million, though a third installment stalled repeatedly afterward.
Also read: Jung Eun Chae Reportedly in Talks to Lead “Flex X Cop” Season 2 as New Female Detective
Now, Bruckheimer’s latest tease marks the most concrete sign yet that Disney’s adventure franchise could finally be finding its next chapter.
Fans have heard rumors before, but this time, the experienced producer’s confidence stands out. He not only hinted that Nicolas Cage is part of active conversations about returning but also noted that development has not slowed since 2024.
Jerry Bruckheimer Confirms National Treasure 3 Is in the Works
Although rumors about National Treasure 3 have circulated for years, solid updates were hard to come by until recently. Bruckheimer’s latest remarks confirm that the project remains very much alive.
He also expressed that the Disney+ spinoff series, National Treasure: Edge of History, played an important role in keeping the fanbase engaged, even though it did not feature the original cast.
When asked if he was disappointed by the franchise’s shift to television, Bruckheimer was clear in his response: “No, it was completely different. We wanted to keep the name alive in the public eye and the zeitgeist.”
His comment suggests that the series served its purpose not to replace Cage’s films, but to keep the concept visible while the third movie continued development.
Longtime fans who followed the project’s saga will remember previous updates from writer Ted Elliot and director Jon Turteltaub.
Back in August 2024, Elliot revealed during an appearance on the National Treasure Hunt podcast that a first draft of the National Treasure 3 script was completed, featuring the return of Ben Gates, Abigail Chase (played by Diane Kruger), and Riley Poole (played by Justin Bartha).
That announcement excited loyal fans who had been waiting for a proper reunion of the original team. Yet, even at that time, Nicolas Cage himself was hesitant to confirm his involvement.
In early 2024, he expressed doubt that Disney had serious plans to move forward, bluntly telling ScreenRant, “No, there is no National Treasure 3. If you want to find treasure, don’t look at Disney, okay? It’s not there.”
Bruckheimer’s new remarks suggest the studio never gave up entirely, perhaps continuing development quietly in the background as the creative team refined the script and scheduling possibilities.
Why National Treasure 3 Took So Long
The long gap since Book of Secrets has puzzled many fans, especially because the second movie ended with a notable cliffhanger involving “page 47” of the President’s Book of Secrets, a mysterious subplot that begged for resolution.
Despite the cliffhanger, development hurdles, shifting studio priorities, and Disney’s evolving streaming strategies all contributed to the delay.
After the early 2010s, the franchise essentially went dormant, resurfacing briefly with discussions around a potential reboot or television event. However, many viewers felt that National Treasure was synonymous with Nicolas Cage’s portrayal of Ben Gates, making it difficult to replicate the same magic without his involvement.
The release of National Treasure: Edge of History on Disney+ in 2022 tested the franchise’s continued appeal. While the show introduced a new cast and storyline set in the same universe, it lasted only one season before being canceled.
The series did, however, prove that audiences were still hungry for fresh treasure-hunting adventures, especially if they featured familiar faces from the original duo of films.
Now, as Bruckheimer and Disney revisit the project, the goal appears to be bringing the story full circle with its original stars in place. Even if the production timeline stretches further, the combination of Cage, Kruger, and Bartha would give National Treasure 3 a sense of closure that fans have wanted for years.
When Could Fans Expect the Sequel?
While Bruckheimer’s comments have reignited excitement, they also suggest that the project is still in active development rather than pre-production. With the script yet to be finalized, no official filming date has been set. If Disney greenlights production in 2026 as expected, a late 2027 or early 2028 release seems likely.
Given the scale of the National Treasure movies with their historical settings, elaborate puzzles, and globe-spanning treasure hunts, such an extended timeline isn’t surprising.
These films rely heavily on complex production design, location scouting, and historical research, elements that help establish their unique mix of fact and fiction.
The return of both Jon Turteltaub and Nicolas Cage would likely fast-track the process. Turteltaub, who directed both prior entries, has often said he remains ready to finish what they started if Disney gives the official go-ahead.
His dynamic partnership with Cage is a key reason the first two entries succeeded so strongly, mixing humor, intelligence, and energy into adventurous storytelling.
Cage’s return would be particularly significant. The actor has experienced a major career resurgence over the last few years, with acclaimed performances in Pig, Dream Scenario, and Mandy reminding audiences of his range and talent.
Seeing him return as Ben Gates could become one of the defining nostalgia moments of late-2020s cinema.
Why Nicolas Cage Is Key to the Franchise’s Comeback
More than any clue or historical reference, what made National Treasure resonate with audiences was Cage’s performance. His blend of intellect, intensity, and dry humor made Ben Gates, one of his most memorable roles half-historian, half-action hero, and fully committed to the chase.
Cage’s chemistry with his co-stars, particularly Diane Kruger and Justin Bartha, became central to the series’ tone. Their dynamic combined intelligence with lighthearted quips, helping the franchise appeal to viewers of all ages.
Without Cage, both films would have lacked the kind of earnest energy that turned historical exposition into cinematic excitement.
Bruckheimer’s comments confirm what fans have sensed all along: a true National Treasure 3 cannot exist without Nicolas Cage leading the adventure once again. His presence would instantly reconnect audiences to the original spirit of discovery, combining historical myths with thrilling escapes.
The Future of the Treasure-Hunting Saga
With renewed momentum and nostalgic enthusiasm growing online, National Treasure 3 could mark a major return for one of Disney’s most beloved live-action franchises.
Modern audiences have embraced reboots and legacy sequels, and this project fits perfectly into that trend, bridging generations through historical mystery and adventure.
If development continues on schedule, Disney will have an opportunity to reintroduce National Treasure to both longtime fans and younger viewers.
Whether the story follows the president’s mysterious page or introduces an all-new treasure, the key is maintaining the heart that made the originals special: an intelligent adventure led by a character whose curiosity knows no limits.
Jerry Bruckheimer’s confidence suggests that Disney’s long-buried treasure may finally be found. After years of uncertainty, hope is once again alive for National Treasure 3 and for fans who never stopped believing Nicolas Cage would once again answer history’s call.
Also read: Kerry Washington Calls Out TV’s Rush to Cancel: Shows Need Time to Grow
