During a recent conversation with GQ, the seasoned actor Nicolas Cage revealed his astonishment and dissatisfaction. He’s upset that a third ‘National Treasure’ movie has not been made. He was promoting his new movie, “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.”
“What do you mean we’re not doing National Treasure 3? It’s been 14 years. Why not?”
Cage questioned, his tone echoing a mix of surprise and disappointment.
Nicolas Cage says he’s amazed that Disney hasn’t made ‘NATIONAL TREASURE 3’ yet.
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— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) JANUARY 28, 2024
The ‘National Treasure ‘franchise includes two released theatrical films. It has been a commercial success. The film National Treasure (2004) introduced audiences to Benjamin Franklin Gates. He is a treasure hunter. He is on a quest to find a lost treasure. American Freemasons hid it during the American Revolutionary War. The sequel, ‘National Treasure: Book of Secrets’ (2007), saw Gates defending his family name. People claimed his ancestor was part of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination in 1865. Both films were met with positive audience response and made a tidy profit at the box office.
Despite the franchise’s success and popularity, Disney has not released official information about ‘National Treasure 3’. It’s unlikely the film would make it out anytime before 2025, as it hasn’t been officially announced, cast, or filmed yet. However, in 2020, The Hollywood Reporter shared that ‘National Treasure 3’ was in the works. The original producer, Jerry Bruckheimer, is spearheading the project. Bruckheimer revealed that they were developing ‘National Treasure’ for the theaters. Nicolas Cage will star.
Several reasons have been speculated for Disney’s hesitation in making ‘National Treasure 3’. Jason Reed, a producer of Disney’s live-action Mulan remake and a production executive on 2004’s National Treasure and its 2007 sequel, said the two movies made money. But Disney’s top people never saw them as potential franchises. The National Treasure movies resulted from Disney’s collaboration with legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Afterward, Bruckheimer’s deal with Disney led to a series of expensive, high-profile failures. The last one, 2012’s The Lone Ranger, made Disney stop working with the producer. Disney never figured out how to integrate the brand into their parks, further diluting enthusiasm.
As an independent franchise, National Treasure paled in comparison to marketing behemoths. Examples include Toy Story, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Star Wars. Given Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm, Fox, and the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe, their number of more lucrative options almost seems limitless.
Apart from being the lead actor reprising his role, Nicolas Cage plays a pivotal role in the movie’s development. Cage has shown interest. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has indicated they await Cage’s approval before finalizing the script. However, they are waiting for Cage’s approval before finalizing the script. This dynamic suggests Cage’s potential influence over the script and the movie’s direction. Nevertheless, the ultimate decision rests with Disney and the production team.
The potential storyline of ‘National Treasure 3’ remains shrouded in mystery. Speculation centers around the mysterious “Page 47” from ‘National Treasure 2.’ Many expect the original cast, especially Nicolas Cage and Justin Bartha, to return to their iconic roles.
In assessing Disney’s strategy and industry trends, the demand for diverse content has reshaped the film landscape. The rise of streaming services has also reshaped the film landscape. Disney’s focus on streaming platforms and strategic acquisitions has altered its approach to movie production. These trends influence the decision to continue or discontinue popular franchises. The varied trajectories of iconic series like James Bond, Halloween, Alien, and Men in Black exemplify these trends.
Fans eagerly await official confirmation. The fate of ‘National Treasure 3’ hangs in the balance. Nicolas Cage’s fervent plea echoes the sentiments of fans worldwide. Will Disney unearth a new adventure, or will the treasure remain hidden? Only time will tell if the iconic franchise will embark on another thrilling quest.
