National Treasure 3 Confirmed: Director Reveals Politics Delayed Sequel
Director Jon Turteltaub confirmed on Friday that “National Treasure 3″ is officially in development with a Disney-approved script. Speaking during a live recording of the “National Treasure Hunt” podcast in Philadelphia, Turteltaub stated the film will likely address modern political divisions, a factor he claims contributed to the long delay since the 2007 sequel.
The announcement follows years of speculation regarding the return of Nicolas Cage. While the project is now “Hollywood real,” Turteltaub cautioned that production remains subject to the availability of key talent. He noted that if he were to be incapacitated, the film would likely proceed, but the absence of Cage would terminate the project.
Political Friction and the Delay of the Third Installment
Turteltaub attributed the gap between “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” and the upcoming third film to a polarized American political climate. He described an environment where patriotism is viewed through a partisan lens, citing an interaction with former Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy as an example of this divide.
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Turteltaub recalled perceptions that Democrats cannot be patriots, while the opposite side views Republicans as exclusionary or hostile. This ideological chasm made the creation of a historical fiction series—which relies on a shared sense of national heritage—increasingly complex.
The director believes the new script cannot simply ignore these tensions. “We have to be very careful, but I don’t feel we are allowed to ignore it,” Turteltaub said, adding that the story must incorporate these themes without alienating the audience.
Franchise Performance and the Disney Ecosystem
The “National Treasure” series has a proven track record of commercial success. The original 2004 film grossed $347 million worldwide. Its 2007 sequel, “National Treasure: Book of Secrets,” performed even better, earning $459 million globally. Combined, the two films surpassed $800 million at the global box office.
Disney has attempted to keep the brand active through other mediums. The 2022 Disney+ spin-off, “National Treasure: Edge of History,” starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, lasted only one season, according to reports.
Turteltaub indicated that “to whatever extent we can, everyone’s back,” signaling the return of the primary ensemble.
Industry Reaction to the Integration of Politics
Not all industry analysts believe a political angle is the correct path for the franchise. Film critic Christian Toto, founder and editor of Hollywood in Toto, told Fox News Digital that the series would be best served by remaining apolitical.
“It’s actually a sad sign of the times — a franchise about U.S. history is now seen as problematic or challenging, when it should be nothing of the kind,” Toto said.
Toto argued that if Turteltaub can successfully “thread the needle” between acknowledging the political divide and telling a fresh story, the film could become the biggest in the franchise. However, he expressed disappointment that the concept of American patriotism is now viewed as a “challenging” topic for a mainstream movie.
Timeline of the National Treasure Franchise
The evolution of the series shows a shift from straightforward adventure to a complex navigation of modern cultural identity:
- 2004: “National Treasure” premieres, establishing the Ben Gates character and grossing $347 million.
- 2007: “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” expands the lore and earns $459 million.
- 2022: “Edge of History” debuts on Disney+, attempting to modernize the franchise for a streaming audience.
As the production moves toward filming, the industry will be watching to see if the film can truly bridge the political gap Turteltaub described. Whether the movie succeeds depends on its ability to treat history as a unifying puzzle rather than a partisan weapon.