National Treasure 3 is finally moving out of development hell and into production, and yes, Nicolas Cage is officially returning to steal another historical document.
TL;DR: After twenty years of rumors, Disney has greenlit a script for National Treasure 3. Nicolas Cage will return as Benjamin Franklin Gates, with original director Jon Turteltaub and the core cast expected to join for another history-heavy heist. It will likely follow the same "smart-action" blueprint as the first two films, making it a rare blockbuster that values puzzles and history as much as explosions.
For a long time, it looked like this franchise was dead and buried. Disney tried a series reboot on Disney+ a few years back that didn't quite capture the magic, mostly because it lacked the specific, frantic energy of Nicolas Cage. But according to recent director confirmations, the script is real, it’s greenlit, and the original gang is getting back together.
This matters because the National Treasure movies occupy a specific lane in family media: the "Dad Movie" that kids actually like. They aren't superhero movies, and they aren't animated slapstick. They are movies about people being smart, solving riddles, and caring deeply about American history—even if that history is wrapped in a wild conspiracy theory about the back of the Declaration of Independence.
Since the project is in the "greenlit script" phase, we don't have a plot synopsis yet, but we can make some high-confidence calls based on the franchise's DNA.
- The Gates Family is back: You can’t have National Treasure without the Gates family's obsession with hidden lineages. We expect to see Riley Poole (Justin Bartha) back for comic relief and tech support, and Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger) back for the actual historical expertise.
- The "Page 47" Factor: Fans have been obsessed with the "President’s Book" cliffhanger from the second movie for two decades. While the writers haven't confirmed it, the new film will almost certainly have to address what was on that page.
- Puzzle-based action: Unlike the John Wick style of hyper-violence or the CGI-heavy Marvel fights, this movie will likely lean back into the "Escape Room" style of filmmaking. Expect a lot of ancient mechanisms, hidden compartments, and "I know this because I read a book" moments.
If your kid is into history, maps, or just likes a good mystery, the return of this franchise is great news. The first two movies—National Treasure and National Treasure: Book of Secrets—are masterclasses in making "learning" look like a heist. They don't condescend to the audience, and they assume the viewer can keep up with the logic of the puzzles.
It’s also a great alternative to the "brain rot" content often found in the corners of YouTube. It’s high-production, narrative-driven, and rewards attention. If your kid hasn't seen the originals, now is the perfect time to start the "training" before the third one hits theaters.
Since we’re still a ways off from a release date, the move is to dive into the genre of "smart people doing dangerous things."
- The Originals: Revisit the first National Treasure to see where the obsession started.
- The "Lite" Version: For younger kids who like the "hidden world" vibe, The Goonies hits many of the same notes but with a more juvenile edge.
- The Modern Spin: Uncharted is the more action-heavy cousin of National Treasure, though it swaps the historical accuracy for more video-game-style stunts.
- The Classics: If they can handle a bit more intensity, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is the gold standard for the "searching for a legendary artifact" genre.
When you watch these with your kids, don't just let the history wash over them. The movies play fast and loose with facts, which is actually a great opening for a conversation.
Ask them: "Do you think the Founding Fathers actually had time to build giant underground treasure rooms while they were fighting a war?" It’s a fun way to help them distinguish between a "cool story" and "actual history" without being a buzzkill.
Q: Is Nicolas Cage definitely in National Treasure 3?
Yes. Director Jon Turteltaub and various reports have confirmed that Cage is returning as Benjamin Franklin Gates. The movie wouldn't have been greenlit without him.
Q: When will National Treasure 3 be released?
As of August 2026, the script has been greenlit, but an official release date hasn't been set. Given typical production timelines, we are likely looking at a late 2027 or 2028 release.
Q: Is National Treasure 3 okay for younger kids?
While the movie isn't out yet, the franchise has historically stayed in the PG or PG-13 range. Expect "action violence" (chases, some shooting, traps) but very little in the way of gore or heavy language. It’s generally considered one of the safer live-action franchises for elementary-aged kids and up.
Q: Do we need to watch the Disney+ show first?
Probably not. The show, National Treasure: Edge of History, featured some cameos but was largely a separate story. The third movie is expected to be a direct sequel to the 2007 film Book of Secrets.
National Treasure 3 is the rare sequel that feels like a reward for parents who have been holding the torch for smart, non-superhero blockbusters. It will likely be a high-energy, puzzle-filled romp that makes the Library of Congress look like the coolest place on earth. Keep an eye out for trailers starting in 2027.
- Check out our best movies for kids list for more live-action adventure picks.
- If your kid loves the puzzle aspect, look into our best games for kids list for mystery and puzzle-solving titles.
- Ask our chatbot for a historical mystery book series
