National Treasure 3 Is ‘Finally Real,’ Director Says Disney Likes the Script

National Treasure 3 just took its clearest step toward actually happening, days after the franchise’s revival was first reported. Speaking at a live taping of the National Treasure Hunt podcast on Aug. 21, director Jon Turteltaub said the team finally has a script he likes — and that Disney has essentially indicated it sounds like a movie they can make.

What Turteltaub actually said

His comments describe a script he’s happy with and an encouraging signal from the studio — not a formal greenlight or production announcement. Disney has not confirmed National Treasure 3, and no release date, cast list or start date exists yet.

Nicolas Cage’s return is ‘in talks,’ not confirmed

A sourcing distinction matters here. TheWrap reports the original stars, including Nicolas Cage, are in talks to return — that’s talks, not a signed deal. Some secondary coverage has framed Cage’s comeback as more definite than Turteltaub’s own comments support. Nothing said at the taping confirmed any cast member is officially locked in.

Where this leaves the franchise

The National Treasure film series hasn’t had a new entry since 2007’s Book of Secrets. Disney+ launched a spinoff series, National Treasure: Edge of History, in 2022. A third film has been talked about on and off for years without a script that stuck — which is what makes Turteltaub’s comments notable, even short of an official greenlight.

The facts

• Jon Turteltaub said at an Aug. 21 National Treasure Hunt podcast taping that the team now has a script he likes.
• Turteltaub says Disney has indicated the script sounds like a movie they can make — not a confirmed greenlight.
• TheWrap reports original stars, including Nicolas Cage, are in talks to return — not officially confirmed.
• No release date, official greenlight or cast announcement exists as of this writing.