National Treasure 3 Confirmed: Director Announces Script Is Ready

Director Confirms National Treasure 3 Is Moving Forward

Jon Turteltaub, the filmmaker behind the original National Treasure movies, told reporters this week that the third installment has officially entered the production phase. He emphasized that a full script is in hand, that the story has been approved by Disney, and that the studio is preparing to schedule filming for early next year.

Script Status and Creative Direction

The new screenplay, according to Turteltaub, builds on the mythology established in the 2004 and 2007 releases while introducing fresh historical enigmas. He described the script as "a blend of high‑stakes adventure, clever riddles, and a deeper look at the secret societies that have protected treasure for centuries." The director also noted that the writing team consulted with historians to ensure that the clues remain plausible yet thrilling.

For readers interested in the official stance from Disney, see Disney's official National Treasure page. The studio’s statement echoes the director’s enthusiasm, confirming that the project aligns with Disney’s broader strategy to revive beloved franchises.

What Fans Can Expect From the Sequel

Long‑time fans have speculated about the direction of the third film for years. With the script now locked, several themes are emerging:

• New locations that have never been featured in the series, such as ancient libraries in Europe and hidden chambers in South America.
• A deeper exploration of the Freemason legacy that underpinned the first two movies.
• Higher stakes that involve a global threat, raising the personal risk for Ben Gates.

These elements suggest that the sequel will aim to expand the scope of the treasure hunt while preserving the humor and heart that defined the earlier films.

Production Timeline and Disney’s Strategy

According to a recent Variety report on the sequel, Disney plans to begin principal photography in the spring of 2025. Post‑production is slated for late 2025, with a theatrical release targeted for the summer of 2026. This timeline aligns with Disney’s effort to space out major releases and avoid direct competition with other franchise blockbusters.

The studio’s release calendar shows a pattern of reviving legacy properties during the summer window, a strategy that proved successful for titles such as Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Cast and Crew: Returning Faces and New Additions

Nicolas Cage is confirmed to reprise his role as Benjamin Franklin Gates. In a recent interview, Cage expressed excitement about returning to a character he described as "one of the most daring adventurers in modern cinema." His official profile can be found on Nicolas Cage's IMDb page.

The supporting cast is expected to include familiar faces such as Diane Kruger, who played Riley Poole, and new talent to bring fresh dynamics to the team. Turteltaub confirmed that the original screenwriters, Jim Kouf and Charles Chaplin, are back on board, ensuring continuity in tone and humor.

Potential Plot Directions and Historical Mysteries

While the exact plot remains under wraps, industry insiders have identified several historical artifacts that could serve as central MacGuffins:

1. The Library of Alexandria’s lost scrolls, rumored to contain a map to a hidden vault.
2. A secret codex attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, believed to hold clues to a treasure hidden beneath the Vatican.
3. An ancient Incan sun stone that points to a lost city of gold in the Andes.

These possibilities reflect the series’ tradition of weaving real‑world history with fictional intrigue. The script reportedly weaves these elements into a narrative that challenges Gates to confront his own legacy as a guardian of history.

Industry Reaction and Box Office Forecast

The announcement has generated a wave of optimism across the entertainment press. Hollywood Reporter coverage highlighted the franchise’s strong home‑video sales and the enduring popularity of its central premise.

Box office analysts point to the success of the first two films, which together earned over $600 million worldwide. Box Office Mojo data for the original film shows a solid opening weekend that still ranks among the top adventure releases of the early 2000s. Given the nostalgia factor and the proven track record, many expect the third film to open above $80 million domestically.

Overall, the combination of a finished script, a committed director, and a beloved lead actor positions National Treasure 3 as one of the most anticipated adventure releases of the next decade.