Yes, that Nicolas Cage action franchise — the new sequel is finally happening

Right, so if you thought the era of surprise franchise resurrections was winding down, think again. After fresh attempts to squeeze juice out of Beetlejuice, Beverly Hills Cop, and even The Devil Wears Prada, now National Treasure is next up for a comeback. This time, it’s not just industry whispers or cynical attempts at mining nostalgia: director Jon Turteltaub has actually gone on the record to say a third film is really in the works.

National Treasure 3 Confirmed – Sort Of

The big reveal came at an event in Philadelphia, of all places, devoted to the National Treasure films. While chatting on the National Treasure Hunt podcast, which was being recorded live in front of genuinely devoted fans, Turteltaub finally dropped a clear update. That’s quite a contrast to the usual studio PR that says a project is 'in development' for decades.

Here’s how Turteltaub handled it, bold as brass, in front of a room full of diehards:

"I have not said anything before this, but you deserve to have the scoop... It’s finally real. Now, it’s Hollywood real, meaning things could happen. Nic gets hit by a bus, there’s no National Treasure 3. If I get hit by a bus, there probably a National Treasure 3. Welcome to Hollywood."

If you like to over-analyse tone, that’s as close as you’ll get to a mix of excitement and a standard Hollywood disclaimer in a single breath. This is also the first time Turteltaub has talked about it in public – not just vague hints, but genuinely telling fans 'It’s happening.'

Who’s Returning (And Is It Everyone?)

One of the things people have always liked about these films is the cast. Cage running around as eccentric historian Ben Gates, Justin Bartha along for the ride as Riley Poole, and Diane Kruger as Abigail Chase. Turteltaub says they all want to come back, or to use his words from earlier: there’s no one who’s against doing this sequel. That is, provided Nicolas Cage doesn’t go and get hit by a bus, apparently.

• Nicolas Cage: Benjamin Franklin Gates (lead, obviously)
• Justin Bartha: Riley Poole (comic relief, keyboard wizard)
• Diane Kruger: Abigail Chase (archivist and love interest)
• Possible cameo from Sean Bean again as the original villain, Ian Howe

Turteltaub specifically said they’re trying to get “everyone back, as far as possible.” No plot details yet, which is typical, but there is already a script that both he and Disney are happy with, so it’s not at the stage where someone’s just staring at a blank notepad. Fans have waited ages for real movement, so this does feel different.

Why Has It Taken This Long?

The last time National Treasure was on the big screen, it was 2007 (the sequel with Lincoln and the missing page, if you remember). So why has it taken nearly two decades? According to Turteltaub, it’s partly the never-ending shifts in American politics. He’s hinted this new story will dip into the country’s current divisions, but won’t turn into a heavy political drama – just enough to give it some relevance.

The third National Treasure has a script Disney likes and is the first sequel publicly confirmed by director Jon Turteltaub.

Backing this up, producer Jerry Bruckheimer said back in March that the project was officially progressing, and screenwriter Ted Elliot has been dropping hints that we’ll see plenty of the old character dynamics back in play. Principal cast are all supposedly eager. Everyone seems aware of what the franchise does best, and there’s no sign of a Matilda-style leftfield reboot here.

So yes, National Treasure 3 is no longer just a studio rumour – at least, not unless Hollywood does its usual and derails itself at the last minute. For now, though, genuine fans have finally had their patience rewarded. And in honour of Turteltaub’s own words, let’s all hope their star does in fact avoid buses.