National Treasure 3 is returning after 20 years

After nearly 20 years of waiting, National Treasure 3 may finally be becoming a reality.

The third installment is reportedly moving forward, with Nicolas Cage expected to reprise his role as treasure hunter Benjamin Gates.

Director Jon Turteltaub shared the update during a live event in Philadelphia, revealing that the film now has a script approved by both him and Disney.

“It’s happening,” Turteltaub said.

Cage starred as Ben Gates in the first two National Treasure films, released in 2004 and 2007. Turteltaub also suggested that other members of the original cast could return for the upcoming sequel.

However, the director cautioned that plans could still change before production begins. Joking about the uncertainty surrounding Hollywood projects, he said, “Nic gets hit by a bus, there’s no National Treasure 3.”

The original film featured Cage alongside Diane Kruger and Justin Bartha and became a popular adventure franchise. Fans have been waiting for a third movie ever since, but despite years of discussion, the project never appeared to make significant progress.

Cage even expressed doubts about the possibility of National Treasure 3 in 2022.

Now, however, the long-awaited sequel appears closer than ever. With a script reportedly approved and Cage expected to return, National Treasure 3 is finally looking like a real possibility.