The quest for a third installment in the National Treasure franchise has become a saga almost as complex and layered as the historical puzzles Benjamin Gates solves on the silver screen. For nearly two decades, fans have clung to the hope of a trilogy-capper that would resolve the long-standing mystery of Page 47. Recent developments in 2024 and 2025 suggest that while the project has occupied a state of “development hell” for years, there is renewed momentum behind the scenes. Key stakeholders, including legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer and original director Jon Turteltaub, have shifted from vague optimism to concrete updates regarding script status and cast negotiations.

The primary hurdle for the production has always been the alignment of a high-quality script with the approval of its lead star, Nicolas Cage. Throughout 2024, Cage offered several blunt assessments of the project’s existence, at one point suggesting that Disney had shifted its focus entirely toward streaming content rather than theatrical sequels. However, by late 2025, the narrative changed. Industry reports and direct quotes from Bruckheimer indicate that a script draft by veteran writer Ted Elliott is not only complete but is being refined to meet the specific creative standards required to bring the original ensemble back together. This movement signifies a shift from “if” the movie will happen to “when” it can realistically enter production.

Current industry analysis places the potential release of a third film several years away, but the infrastructure for its revival is becoming visible. With the cancellation of the Disney+ spin-off series, the studio’s strategy appears to have returned to the franchise’s roots: a big-budget, theatrical adventure featuring the iconic trio of Ben, Abigail, and Riley. This transition marks a critical moment for the brand, as it attempts to modernize its treasure-hunting formula for a contemporary audience while maintaining the nostalgic charm that made the 2004 and 2007 films massive box office successes.

The Script Development and Creative Direction of Ted Elliott

One of the most significant updates in the timeline of National Treasure 3 is the involvement of screenwriter Ted Elliott. Known for his work on the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Elliott was tasked with crafting a story that could bridge a twenty-year gap in the timeline. In various interviews throughout 2024 and 2025, Elliott confirmed that a first draft of the script has been finalized. His approach reportedly acknowledges the passage of time, treating the characters not as frozen in 2007, but as seasoned experts whose lives and relationships have evolved. Elliott has specifically noted that the dynamic between Ben Gates and Riley Poole will see a significant shift, reflecting their growth and the changing world around them.

The creative direction of the new script aims to maintain the “crypto-history” essence of the series while introducing what Elliott describes as the “weirdest heist yet.” This indicates a departure from the more traditional revolutionary and civil war themes of the first two films, potentially venturing into even more obscure or globally-scaled historical mysteries. While the specific “MacGuffin” or treasure remains a closely guarded secret, the writer has hinted that the story will lean into the political and cultural changes that have occurred since the last film. This modernization is seen as essential by director Jon Turteltaub, who has emphasized that the movie must feel relevant to a 2020s audience without losing its family-friendly adventure tone.

Furthermore, the script is being written with the explicit intention of bringing back the original cast. Unlike previous iterations that suggested a “passing of the torch” to a younger generation, this current version focuses on Benjamin Gates, Abigail Chase, and Riley Poole. This decision is a direct response to the feedback from the Disney+ series, which, despite its connection to the lore, struggled to capture the same audience engagement without the presence of the original lead characters. By centering the narrative on the veteran treasure hunters, the production team hopes to leverage the enduring popularity of Nicolas Cage and the chemistry of the core ensemble.

Nicolas Cage and the Return of Benjamin Gates

The involvement of Nicolas Cage remains the single most important factor in the realization of National Treasure 3. Cage’s relationship with the project has been a rollercoaster of public statements. In early 2024, he famously told reporters that there was “no National Treasure 3” and advised fans not to look to Disney for such a project. This skepticism was rooted in the studio’s long-term hesitation and the prioritization of the Edge of History television series. However, as the script progressed through 2025, Cage’s public stance appeared to soften. The actor, who has enjoyed a significant career renaissance with films like Pig and The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, has always maintained a fondness for the character of Ben Gates but insisted on a script that justifies a return.

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has been the primary bridge between the studio and the actor. Bruckheimer’s strategy has been to ensure the script is “really good” before presenting it to Cage for a final decision. By late 2025, Bruckheimer confirmed that they were “getting closer” and that the intention was for Cage to read the latest draft shortly. The actor’s potential return is not just a matter of nostalgia; it is a vital commercial component. The “Cage-aissance” has made him a more bankable and respected star than he was during the franchise’s decade of dormancy, giving Disney more incentive to greenlight a theatrical release that capitalizes on his current popularity.

Should Cage sign on, the production will need to navigate his busy schedule. The actor has become one of the most prolific performers in Hollywood, often moving directly from one project to another. However, the collaborative history between Cage, Bruckheimer, and Turtletaub provides a strong foundation for a deal. The expectation is that if Cage approves the script, a production window could be carved out in late 2026. This would allow the actor to bring a more mature, perhaps more weary, but equally brilliant version of Benjamin Gates to the screen, dealing with the legacy of his previous finds while tackling a new, high-stakes mystery.

Key Cast Members and Character Evolutions

While Benjamin Gates is the heart of the franchise, the supporting cast members are equally essential to its DNA. Justin Bartha and Diane Kruger have both expressed varying levels of interest and involvement over the years. Justin Bartha, who played the fan-favorite tech expert Riley Poole, has been the most vocal supporter of a third film. Bartha even reprised his role in a cameo for the Disney+ series, which helped establish that Riley is still active in the world of historical mysteries. His return is considered a “no-brainer” by the actor, provided the creative team is in place. The script reportedly gives Riley a more elevated role, recognizing that he is no longer just the “uninformed audience surrogate” but an accomplished author and researcher in his own right.

Diane Kruger, who portrayed Dr. Abigail Chase, is also a critical piece of the puzzle. The chemistry between Abigail and Ben provided the emotional grounding for the first two adventures. In the years since Book of Secrets, Kruger has built a prestigious international career, but fans remain eager to see how the relationship between Abigail and Ben has progressed. The current script draft includes Abigail in a central capacity, ensuring that the trio’s dynamic remains the driving force of the narrative. Other legacy actors have also signaled their willingness to return, including:

Bruce Greenwood as the President: The actor has expressed interest in returning, potentially exploring the long-term consequences of the “kidnapping” incident from the second film and the secrets contained within the President’s Book.
Harvey Keitel as Peter Sadusky: Although the character’s status was addressed in the Disney+ series, the films could still utilize Keitel or his character’s legacy to connect the past and present heists.
Justin Bartha as Riley Poole: As the technical backbone of the team, Riley’s evolution from a cynical sidekick to a respected historian provides a rich avenue for character development.
Diane Kruger as Abigail Chase: Her role as the academic and moral compass of the group is expected to be expanded, potentially taking a more active role in the field work.
Armando Riesco as Agent Hendricks: The perennial FBI agent who is always one step behind Gates has been a staple of the franchise and provides a consistent link to the law enforcement perspective.
Sean Bean or Ed Harris: While their characters were antagonists, the franchise has a history of referencing past villains or introducing family members who seek to finish what their predecessors started.

The Mystery of Page 47 and Narrative Canon

The cliffhanger ending of National Treasure: Book of Secrets has haunted the fanbase for nearly two decades. The President’s casual remark to Ben Gates—”It’s life-altering”—regarding the contents of Page 47 is the most logical starting point for a third film. While the Disney+ series Edge of History made references to the broader lore, it did not explicitly solve the Page 47 mystery, leaving the door wide open for the theatrical sequel. Screenwriter Ted Elliott has confirmed that he is treating the TV series as canon, which means the events and world-building from the show will be respected, even if the primary focus remains on the original characters.

Treating the television show as canon adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. It suggests that the world of National Treasure is a “living” universe where other treasure hunters are active. However, for the third movie to succeed, it must prioritize the unresolved threads from the 2007 film. Page 47 is not just a plot point; it is a promise made to the audience that has yet to be fulfilled. Speculation regarding its contents has ranged from the location of the Fountain of Youth to the “truth” about the Kennedy assassination or even more ancient, global secrets. The challenge for the writers is to provide a “life-altering” revelation that satisfies twenty years of anticipation without feeling underwhelming.

The narrative structure of National Treasure 3 will likely mirror the successful template of its predecessors: a hidden clue leads to a historical site, which requires a daring heist or infiltration, eventually culminating in a grand discovery. However, the stakes are expected to be higher. By late 2025, rumors suggested that the scope of the film might be more international than the previous entries, moving beyond American soil to investigate mysteries that connect the United States to older, global civilizations. This would allow the franchise to expand its visual palette and historical scope, moving from the American Revolution and the Civil War to something perhaps even more foundational to world history.

The Role of Disney and the Changing Media Landscape

The journey of National Treasure 3 is inextricably linked to the evolving business strategies of the Walt Disney Company. In the early 2010s, Disney moved away from mid-budget live-action adventures to focus on massive “tentpole” franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, and live-action remakes of animated classics. During this period, National Treasure was viewed as a profitable but perhaps not “expandable” brand in the way the studio desired. This led to the long delay and the eventual decision to attempt a revival via Disney+ rather than a theatrical sequel. The cancellation of National Treasure: Edge of History after one season was a turning point, signaling that the brand’s strength lies in its original cinematic stars.

In 2024 and 2025, Disney’s strategy appeared to shift back toward proven theatrical brands as the streaming market saturated. The success of legacy sequels in other franchises—such as Top Gun: Maverick (also produced by Bruckheimer)—proved that there is a massive appetite for the return of iconic characters after long absences. This “Maverick Effect” has undoubtedly played a role in the renewed interest in National Treasure 3. Disney now sees the value in a high-profile theatrical event that can drive both box office revenue and subsequent streaming viewership, rather than a streaming-exclusive project that lacks the star power of the original cast.

Financially, the first two films grossed nearly $800 million combined worldwide. In today’s market, a third film with Nicolas Cage could easily target the $500 million mark, especially with the added “nostalgia” factor. The production budget would likely be significant, given the need for elaborate sets, location shooting, and the salaries of its established stars. However, Disney’s willingness to re-invest in the brand suggests a confidence that the “treasure hunting” genre remains a viable and lucrative niche that is currently underserved in the blockbuster landscape.

Pro Tips for Fans and Aspiring Treasure Hunters

While waiting for the official release of National Treasure 3, fans can engage with the franchise and the world of historical mysteries in several ways. Understanding the themes and real-world history behind the films can enhance the viewing experience and provide a deeper appreciation for the “crypto-history” genre. Here are several pro tips for the dedicated National Treasure enthusiast:

Revisit the Original Source Material: To fully appreciate the upcoming film, re-watch the first two movies with a focus on the background details. Pay attention to the historical documents mentioned, such as the Silence Dogood letters or the diary of John Wilkes Booth, as the new film will likely build on these established tropes.
Explore Real Cryptography: The films often simplify complex codes. Engaging with real-world historical ciphers, such as the Ottendorf cipher or the Beale ciphers, can provide a more grounded understanding of how Ben Gates deciphers the clues left by the Founding Fathers.
Visit Historical Sites: Many of the locations in the films are real and open to the public. Visiting the National Archives in D.C. or Independence Hall in Philadelphia can provide a tangible connection to the story. Researching the actual “secrets” of these buildings—like the hidden rooms in the Library of Congress—can be a fascinating hobby.
Stay Updated via Official Channels: Avoid the numerous “concept trailers” and fan-made rumors on social media. Instead, follow reputable trade publications like Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, or official announcements from Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer Films for verified production news.
Engage with the National Treasure Hunt Community: There are dedicated podcasts and forums that analyze the films in minute detail. These communities often host interviews with the cast and crew, such as the recent sit-downs with writer Ted Elliott and director Jon Turteltaub, providing the most accurate “inside” information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is National Treasure 3 officially confirmed?

As of late 2025, the film is in active development with a completed script draft. While it has not yet received a formal “greenlight” for a specific production date, producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed they are “getting closer” and the project is gaining momentum at Disney.

Will Nicolas Cage return as Benjamin Gates?

The current plan and script are built specifically for Nicolas Cage’s return. While he has expressed skepticism in the past, recent updates from the production team indicate that the intention is to secure his involvement once he approves the final version of the script.

What happened to the Disney+ series?

National Treasure: Edge of History was canceled after one season in 2023. However, the events of the series are considered canon within the franchise, and characters from the show could potentially make appearances or be referenced in the third film.

Will we finally find out what is on Page 47?

While the plot is not officially public, screenwriter Ted Elliott and the creative team are well aware of the fan expectation regarding Page 47. It is widely expected that this major cliffhanger from the second movie will be a central element of the third film’s narrative.

When is the expected release date?

If a script is finalized and the cast signs on by early 2026, filming could take place later that year. This would place a potential theatrical release in late 2027 or sometime in 2028 at the earliest.

Who is writing and directing the new movie?

Ted Elliott is the primary screenwriter for the current version of the project. Jon Turteltaub, who directed the first two installments, is expected to return to helm the third film, ensuring a consistent tone and style for the trilogy.

Conclusion

The road to National Treasure 3 has been long and winding, marked by shifts in studio priorities and the career paths of its legendary stars. However, the status of the project in 2025 is more promising than it has been in over a decade. With a completed script draft by Ted Elliott, the unwavering support of producer Jerry Bruckheimer, and the revitalized star power of Nicolas Cage, the pieces of the puzzle are finally beginning to align. The transition from a Disney+ focus back to a theatrical event reflects a broader industry trend toward legacy sequels that respect original characters and their histories. For fans who have spent years speculating about Page 47 and the next great American mystery, the wait for Benjamin Gates’ return may finally be nearing its end. As development continues, the emphasis remains on creating a story that is both a worthy conclusion to the trilogy and a modern update to the adventure genre, ensuring that the legacy of National Treasure continues to captivate a new generation of treasure hunters.