Its been years since Nicolas Cage has led a blockbuster, and even though he has been starring in disposable B-movies as of late, it is no doubt that audiences would welcome a Cage-aissance with open arms. Furthermore, a return to exposed cinema in the form of a
National Treasure sequel would guarantee a hit for Disney. This begs the question -
Why hasn't it happened yet?
The franchise, which began in 2004, has retained its status as an extremely quotable film, one that almost relies on Cage as much as
Mission: Impossible relies on Tom Cruise. Doing press rounds for
The Meg, Jon Turteltaub, who helmed the first two films, had much to say to Collider regarding the potential threequel's development.
Disney feels they have other films they want to make that they think will make them more money . . . they’re obviously doing a really good job at making great films. I just think this would be one of them, and they don’t quite realize how much the Internet is begging for a third National Treasure. The script was close, but not so great that the studio couldn’t say yes. But it’s been good enough that the studio could have said, ‘Yes, keep going. Get closer.’
Additionally, In an interview with Slash Film, Turteltaub mentions the possibility of dropping on Disney's streaming service.
Finding the right script is hard. It was brutal for the first two. It’s still gonna be brutal for the third . . . The fact is it’ll probably be made as a streaming film.
Do you think
National Treasure 3 will ever come into fruition?