National Treasure 3: Is It Really Happening This Time?

Oct 12, 2025

National Treasure 3: Real Progress or Just Rumors?

Fans still want to know if there will be a National Treasure 3 almost 20 years after Book of Secrets. The answer is yes; it’s being worked on. There is a script, and the producers want Nicolas Cage to come back. Disney put it off for years, but new updates show that real progress has been made. 

This article talks about everything: why it was canceled, who might come back, when it might come out, and what the story might be about.

Will there be a National Treasure 3 coming out?

Justin Bartha as Riley Poole promoting The Templar Treasure book from National Treasure: Book of Secrets

Image © 2007 Walt Disney Pictures / Jerry Bruckheimer Films

Fans finally have a reason to be hopeful after almost twenty years since the second movie. A third film in the National Treasure series is currently being made, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer recently confirmed that work is progressing. 

After years of delays, the project is finally moving forward, which means Benjamin Gates might be back for another trip through American history.

Is National Treasure 3 officially in development?

In a recent interview, producer Jerry Bruckheimer said that National Treasure 3 is now more likely than ever to happen. He said, “We’re getting closer on that one,” which meant that work was still being done behind the scenes. 

After writing the first draft of the script, screenwriter Ted Elliot added the three main characters from the first movie: Ben Gates, Abigail Chase, and Riley Poole.

  • Development Status: It was said that the script was finished in August 2024.
  • Production Team: Producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Jon Turteltaub are likely to come back.
  • Franchise Focus: The plan is to keep the franchise alive and interesting to the public eye.

What has Nicolas Cage said about returning?

Even though there were official updates, Nicolas Cage had mixed things to say. This is what he told Screen Rant in March 2024: “There is no National Treasure 3.” “Don’t look at Disney if you want to find treasure.” More chatter since then, though, makes it seem like he may have changed his mind. Disney insiders believe a Nicolas Cage return is still possible.

  • Cage’s Concerns: He has complained about how Disney is handling the project.
  • Encouraging Signs: Ben Gates’s return is still very important to the story.
  • Script Inclusion: The story contains things about Ben, Abigail Chase, and Riley Poole.

Why did National Treasure 3 get cancelled?

Nicolas Cage as Ben Gates in a tense conversation scene from National Treasure: Book of Secrets

Image © 2007 Walt Disney Pictures / Jerry Bruckheimer Films

National Treasure 3 was pushed back for years, leaving fans to wonder what went wrong. The first movie and Book of Secrets did well at the box office, but Disney didn’t think it would be worth it in the long run to make the series into a bigger franchise. Due to this, the third movie was stuck.

Why did Disney stall the franchise after Book of Secrets?

A representative from the Walt Disney Company said that the company did not see a way to make money by expanding the National Treasure brand like they do with Marvel or Star Wars. The studio focused on other movies instead of making a sequel, even though the movie had a lot of loyal fans and made a lot of money.

  • Disney’s Strategy: People saw the movie as a one-time hit, not the start of a big series.
  • Box Office Results: Earnings around the world came close to $1 billion.
  • Missed Opportunity: The president’s book left us on a cliffhanger that was never finished.

Was the Edge of History series to blame?

A television series called National Treasure: Edge of History came out on Disney+, but it only had one season. Harvey Keitel and Zuri Reed were in it, but not Cage. Even though it wasn’t their fault, it showed that the show was lacking without Ben Gates.

  • Spinoff Performance: The show didn’t get enough viewers, so it wasn’t renewed.
  • Brand Impact: It kept National Treasure in the news, but disappointed audiences.
  • Cage’s Absence: The next heist wasn’t as exciting without Nicolas Cage.

Who is starring in National Treasure 3?

Diane Kruger as Abigail Chase during an intimate dinner conversation from National Treasure: Book of Secrets

Image © 2007 Walt Disney Pictures / Jerry Bruckheimer Films

Fans may see their favorite characters again in the new movie. The plan for National Treasure 3 is to bring back the same cast and crew from the first and second movies. Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger as Abigail Chase, and Justin Bartha as Riley Poole are all in this.

Which original cast members are expected to return?

Chris Bremner and Ted Elliot wrote the script, and the first draft is said to have all the main characters in it. Even though it hasn’t been confirmed, Cage, Kruger, and Bartha are likely to come back. Their friendship was a big part of the appeal of the franchise.

  • Included Characters: Ben Gates, Abigail Chase, Riley Poole.
  • Story Arc: Continues from where Book of Secrets left off.
  • Creative Leads: There were also Jim Kouf and Jon Turteltaub.

Will we see any new characters or major recasting?

The 20-year gap between movies means there is room for new faces, but no one has been confirmed. Fans could meet a new group of treasure hunters who are linked to Abigail Chase or Ben Gates.

  • Time Gap: New characters could show how things are now and in the past.
  • Casting Watch: Stay tuned for official casting news.
  • Possible Mentors: Lead characters from the original story could help younger characters on their journey.

When could National Treasure 3 be released?

Nicolas Cage as Ben Gates during a serious discussion scene outdoors from National Treasure: Book of Secrets

Image © 2007 Walt Disney Pictures / Jerry Bruckheimer Films

Even though National Treasure 3 hasn’t come out yet, new information gives fans reason to stay hopeful. It has been put off many times, but the movie may finally start filming in the near future. Producers say that filming could start as soon as the script is finished. The third movie might come out in a few years if everything goes as planned.

What is the earliest realistic release window?

While there isn’t a set date for the release, producer updates help give a rough idea of when it might happen. The movie might start in 2026 if the script is finished in 2025. With this information, the movie might come out in 2027 or 2028. A scene from Book of Secrets, which was about a missing page in the president’s book, aired almost 20 years ago.

  • Timeline Prediction: The movie could begin filming in 2026, with a release date of 2027 or 2028.
  • Past Gap: Book of Secrets, the second movie, came out in 2007.
  • Franchise Delay: The long break is because Disney’s priorities have changed, and their schedules are clashing.
  • Script Update: Chris Bremner and Ted Elliot filled out the first draft.

Why is it taking so long to produce?

National Treasure 3 is behind schedule for a lot of different reasons. Disney put other movies and franchises, like Marvel, ahead of these. The movie also needed the right script, a cast that was available, and the OK from the top executives. Nicolas Cage has said bad things about Disney, and it’s still not clear if he will be involved.

  • Actor Availability: Getting Cage, Diane Kruger, and Justin Bartha to agree on schedules.
  • Studio Focus: Disney put more effort into newer brands.
  • Creative Direction: It took time for the story to develop past Mount Rushmore and the Civil War.
  • Cage’s Comments: Cage said in March that Disney wasn’t a good place to look for treasure.

What is the plot of National Treasure 3?

The plot of National Treasure 3 has not been made public yet, but we do know that it will follow Benjamin Gates on another historical adventure. The missing page from the president’s book will likely be very important. There is a good chance that the mystery from The Treasure Book of Secrets will continue in the third movie.

What will the story explore this time?

A lot of fans want the movie to show what was written on page 47. Some think it has something to do with the Civil War or an old American secret. Bruckheimer and director Jon Turteltaub gave hints that the new movie will raise the stakes and have important secrets.

  • Page 47 Mystery: The question that hasn’t been answered from the Book of Secrets.
  • Historical Setting: Could have something to do with the Civil War or the early years of independence.
  • Tone and Style: Expect a mix of adventure and history with a lighthearted recap style.
  • Returning Themes: The treasure hunt format stays true to the tradition of the National Treasure Book.

Are there any clues from the leaked draft or past interviews?

Screenwriter Ted Elliott confirmed in a podcast and a recent interview that Ben, Abigail Chase, and Riley Poole are in the first draft. However, there aren’t any official plot details yet, but fans think that the next heist will involve government-hidden secrets or lost artifacts.

  • Confirmed Characters: Benjamin Gates, Abigail Chase, and Riley Poole.
  • Creative Team: The movie is led by Ted Elliott, Chris Bremner, and Jon Turteltaub.
  • Speculative Themes: The main themes are history, lost documents, and a government mystery.
  • Respect for Fans: The writers want to finish the storyline of the president’s book with a fact-based summary.

Final Thoughts

People who liked National Treasure can still hope for a new movie with Nicolas Cage as Gates. The second book might finally explain what the treasure book of secrets left behind. Nicole Kruger will play Abigail Chase, and Justin Bartha will play Riley Poole. Some people, like Ted Elliot, are working to make sure that the facts explain what is true. 

This movie will be good for people, unlike National Treasure Edge. There is no inappropriate language; only classic treasure and Civil War history. In this last part of the National Treasure Book story, let’s see if Harvey Keitel shows up again.

FAQs

Will Riley be in National Treasure 3?

Yes, Riley Poole is included in the draft plot for the sequel, confirmed by writer Ted Elliot, and will join Ben Gates and Abigail Chase for the next treasure hunt.

Where does Nicolas Cage live?

While the exact location is private, Nicolas Cage remains a well-known actor in the movie world and is expected for the March update on Nthe ational Treasure 3 release.

Is Weston Cage an actor?

Yes, Weston Cage is an actor, but he is not involved in the National Treasure movies or the upcoming sequel alongside Ben Gates and Riley Poole.

Is National Treasure a true story?

No, National Treasure is fictional, but it uses real independence and civil war history to create the plot in National Treasure Book and Treasure Book of Secrets.

Is there a President’s Book of Secrets?

The President’s Book of Secrets is not confirmed to be real, but in the National Treasure Edge series and movies, it is the key to secrets revealed in August by Disney.

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