Jerry Bruckheimer, the producer behind the National Treasure series, has affirmed that the third installment is actively moving forward, reigniting hopes among fans eager for its release. This confirmation came amid ongoing anticipation for Jerry Bruckheimer National Treasure 3, which follows nearly two decades since the last film premiered.
The initial two National Treasure movies, starring Nicolas Cage as treasure hunter Ben Gates, were significant hits during the 2000s, blending adventure and high-stakes heists that captured audiences worldwide. Speaking at the Producer’s Guild Awards (PGA) while supporting his nominated film F1, Bruckheimer told The Direct that the project is coming along quite well, and the team is currently
working on the script for it
, indicating steady progress on the sequel’s development. This aligns with previous rumors from Disney about formally reviving the franchise.
Despite the series’ strong box office presence, especially with 2007’s National Treasure: Book of Secrets, reception was mixed, and plans for a third film have faced numerous delays over the years. The 19-year gap since the last movie left fans unsure if the series would continue, particularly after the spin-off TV show National Treasure: Edge of History launched in 2022 but was later canceled by Disney.
Renewed interest in a threequel emerged following that cancellation, with Bruckheimer announcing in May 2024 that screenwriter Ted Elliott, known for his work on Pirates of the Caribbean, is attached to pen the new script. However, both projects, including Pirates of the Caribbean’s next film, have yet to progress into production stages.
Further updates came in late 2025 when Bruckheimer told The Wrap that National Treasure 3 is inching closer to becoming a reality, with plans for Nicolas Cage to reprise his role and original director Jon Turteltaub returning to the helm. Now, Bruckheimer’s recent remarks offer cautious optimism that the film is on track, providing renewed energy to the project.
Assessing the Chances of National Treasure 3’s Release
It has been close to two decades since the last National Treasure film, and although Disney attempted to sustain fan interest with a streaming series, these efforts have not met expectations. Nonetheless, Hollywood is currently embracing nostalgia, with many classic franchises making comebacks. Examples include the upcoming release of Devil Wears Prada 2 in May, arriving 20 years after the original, and Camp Rock 3 slated for Summer 2026, nearly 15 years after its predecessor.
This contemporary appetite for familiar stories, anchored by original casts, increases the possibility for National Treasure 3’s success. Crucially, the return of Nicolas Cage as Ben Gates would be pivotal to this resurgence. Yet, Cage’s own statements add complexity; in 2024, he told Screen Rant,
there is no National Treasure 3,
which suggested he may not be interested in revisiting the role.
Despite this, Bruckheimer’s ongoing commitment implies that Cage’s stance could evolve as the project continues. The producer’s vision includes Cage reprising his iconic role, leaving the door open for the actor to reconsider in response to the franchise’s renewed momentum.
Current Status and Next Steps
National Treasure 3 remains in the script development phase, with a creative team mobilizing to bring the project to fruition. Given the fluctuating nature of the franchise’s progress, fans and industry watchers will be watching closely for further announcements regarding casting, production timelines, and release dates. The combination of nostalgic demand and key personnel’s involvement suggests that the film has a realistic chance of moving forward despite past setbacks.
