After nearly two decades of fans searching for clues, deciphering Hollywood promises and wondering whether Benjamin Franklin Gates had permanently misplaced his passport, National Treasure 3 is finally moving forward. Director Jon Turteltaub has announced that the long-awaited third instalment of the Nicolas Cage adventure franchise is officially in development, declaring during a live National Treasure Hunt podcast recording in Philadelphia: “It’s happening.”
The National Treasure Hunt Has Escaped Development Hell
Turteltaub’s announcement represents a major development for a sequel that has spent years looking almost as elusive as the treasures Ben Gates likes to chase. The original National Treasure arrived in 2004, followed by National Treasure: Book of Secrets in 2007. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer had continued to provide encouraging updates, including in 2025 and again in March 2026, when he said work on the script was progressing well.
This time, however, there appears to be something more substantial than another Hollywood “we’re working on it” announcement. Turteltaub said a script now exists that he likes and that Disney has indicated it is a movie the studio can make. The director also suggested that, as far as possible, members of the original cast are expected to return, while Nicolas Cage is again linked to the role of treasure hunter Benjamin Gates.
Jon Turteltaub Confirms National Treasure 3 Is Finally Happening
Naturally, there is a small catch — because apparently no Hollywood treasure hunt is complete without a trapdoor. Turteltaub described the project as “Hollywood real,” essentially acknowledging that development can still change before cameras actually roll. There is currently no announced release date or confirmed production schedule, meaning fans should celebrate the discovery without yet booking cinema seats for opening night.
The long wait has also produced plenty of mixed signals. Cage previously expressed doubt about the existence of a third film, while Bruckheimer repeatedly indicated that the project remained alive. The franchise even expanded into the Disney+ series National Treasure: Edge of History, which ran for one season before being cancelled. Now, with Turteltaub publicly declaring that the movie is “finally real,” the treasure map appears to have gained a rather important new marking: Proceed to production — cautiously.
For now, National Treasure 3 has achieved something fans have been waiting years to see: genuine movement. Whether Benjamin Gates returns to uncover another historical mystery, steal everybody’s favourite government document — metaphorically, of course — or simply explain why it took Hollywood almost two decades to find the next chapter, Buzz Legit FC will be watching the clues. Fans should stay alert for further announcements on the cast, production schedule and eventual release date.
[…] […]