Introducing National Treasure 3 (2025) – Nicolas Cage

Get ready to embark on another thrilling adventure with National Treasure 3, the long-awaited third installment of Disney’s beloved action-adventure franchise, starring Nicolas Cage as the intrepid treasure hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates. Directed by Jon Turteltaub and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, this 2025 film promises to deliver the signature blend of historical intrigue, high-stakes heists, and campy charm that made National Treasure (2004) and National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007) global hits. With a script by Ted Elliott, the movie aims to unravel the mystery of “Page 47” from the President’s Book of Secrets, bringing back familiar faces and introducing new challenges. Below, we explore the film’s development, plot teases, and why fans are buzzing for its theatrical release.

Plot Overview

National Treasure 3 picks up years after the events of Book of Secrets, where Ben Gates (Nicolas Cage) was tasked with investigating the enigmatic “Page 47” of the President’s Book of Secrets. While specific plot details remain closely guarded, screenwriter Ted Elliott has hinted at a story that delves into a new historical conspiracy tied to America’s founding, possibly involving the lost city of Atlantis or a mythical artifact hidden in plain sight. The film follows Ben, alongside his trusted sidekick Riley Poole (Justin Bartha) and partner Dr. Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger), as they race against a new adversary—potentially a returning foe like Ian Howe (Sean Bean)—to uncover a treasure that could reshape history.

The narrative will explore Riley’s evolution from comic relief to a seasoned cryptohistorian, with a shifted dynamic between him and Ben that Elliott says both actors will relish. The story acknowledges the canon of the Disney+ series National Treasure: Edge of History (2022), including the death of Agent Peter Sadusky, and introduces a reimagined FBI presence that operates differently from the previous films. Expect globe-trotting adventures, cryptic puzzles, and outlandish historical revelations—perhaps involving a Founding Father’s secret or a monument hiding a map—delivered with Cage’s signature eccentric flair.

Cast and Characters

• Nicolas Cage as Benjamin Franklin Gates: The charismatic historian and treasure hunter, whose passion for America’s hidden history drives the adventure. Cage’s iconic performance, blending wit and intensity, remains the heart of the franchise.
• Justin Bartha as Riley Poole: Ben’s tech-savvy, sarcastic best friend, now a respected cryptohistorian. Bartha’s return emphasizes Riley’s growth, as teased by Elliott.
• Diane Kruger as Dr. Abigail Chase: The archivist and Ben’s romantic partner, whose expertise aids the quest. Kruger’s “never say never” stance suggests her likely return.
• Supporting Cast (Speculative): Harvey Keitel may reprise his role as a reimagined FBI figure, given Sadusky’s death in Edge of History. Jon Voight could return as Patrick Gates, Ben’s father. Fan speculation on X hints at Sean Bean’s Ian Howe or a new villain, possibly played by a high-profile actor like Cillian Murphy.
• Potential Cameos: Edge of History alums like Lisette Olivera (Jess Valenzuela) or connections to the series’ Pan-American treasure could tie the universe together.

Production Details

Directed by Jon Turteltaub (National Treasure, The Meg), National Treasure 3 is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, a blockbuster veteran behind Pirates of the Caribbean and Top Gun: Maverick. The script, penned by Ted Elliott (Pirates of the Caribbean), is in its final stages, with Bruckheimer confirming in March 2024 that it’s nearly ready to send to Cage for approval. Filming is slated to begin in mid-2025, aiming for a late 2025 theatrical release, with principal photography expected in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and international locations to capture the franchise’s global scope.

The film, developed by Walt Disney Pictures, has a projected budget of $100–150 million, reflecting its action-heavy sequences and historical set pieces. Trevor Rabin is rumored to return for the score, reviving the franchise’s rousing orchestral themes. Despite challenges, including Disney’s initial focus on Edge of History and Cage’s skepticism, Turteltaub’s May 2024 podcast appearance on National Treasure Hunt affirmed the project’s momentum, with a “100%” commitment to the original cast. The production navigates a changed cultural landscape, ensuring historical sensitivity while preserving the series’ playful tone.

Cultural Context and Anticipation

The National Treasure franchise, grossing over $804 million worldwide, is a cultural touchstone, blending Indiana Jones-style adventure with American patriotism. Its meme-worthy moments, like Cage’s “I’m going to steal the Declaration of Independence,” have kept it alive in pop culture. However, Book of Secrets (2007) left fans hanging with the “Page 47” cliffhanger, and the cancellation of Edge of History after one season in 2023 underscored demand for Cage’s return.

Cage’s 2022–2024 comments, dismissing the project (“No, there is no National Treasure 3”), contrasted with Bruckheimer and Turteltaub’s optimism, creating a rollercoaster of fan expectations. Posts on X reflect fervent support, with users like @BenjaminCrew1 joking that a trailer teasing “FDR’s wheelchair as a map” would guarantee opening-night crowds. The film’s development aligns with a nostalgia-driven market, following successes like Top Gun: Maverick, and aims to capitalize on Cage’s revitalized career in films like Pig and Longlegs.

Why Watch National Treasure 3?

• Cage’s Charisma: Nicolas Cage’s eccentric, patriotic Ben Gates is the franchise’s soul, delivering quotable lines and wild historical theories.
• Riley’s Evolution: Justin Bartha’s Riley Poole steps up as a cryptohistory expert, promising a fresh dynamic with Ben.
• Historical Hijinks: Expect absurd yet fun historical twists, like a monument hiding a treasure map, true to the series’ campy charm.
• Action and Puzzles: High-stakes heists and cryptic clues will deliver the globe-trotting adventure fans crave.
• Nostalgia Factor: Resolving the “Page 47” mystery after 18 years fulfills a long-standing fan demand.

Addressing Misinformation

A YouTube fan trailer from August 2024, claiming a December 2025 release, is unofficial and not tied to Disney. Similarly, X posts like @ThomasITK421’s speculative logline about a Jeffrey Epstein conspiracy are fan fiction, not canon. Cage’s March 2024 denial fueled doubts, but Bruckheimer and Turteltaub’s updates confirm the project’s active development. Fans should trust official sources like Variety or Disney’s channels for accurate news.

Where to Watch

National Treasure 3 is targeting a theatrical release in December 2025, distributed by Walt Disney Pictures. It’s expected to hit US, UK, and international theaters, with a streaming release on Disney+ likely by early 2026, based on Disney’s 2–3-month window for blockbusters. No official teaser has been released, but promotional materials are anticipated by mid-2025. Fans can stream National Treasure (2004), Book of Secrets (2007), and Edge of History on Disney+ to catch up. Check Disney’s official website or follow @DisneyPlus on X for updates.

Final Thoughts

National Treasure 3 (2025) is poised to revive one of Disney’s most cherished franchises, bringing Nicolas Cage back as Benjamin Gates to crack the “Page 47” mystery. With Jon Turteltaub’s direction, Ted Elliott’s script, and Jerry Bruckheimer’s production prowess, the film promises a rollicking mix of history, humor, and heart. Despite years in development hell and Cage’s doubts, the project’s momentum signals a triumphant return for fans who’ve waited nearly two decades. Get ready to steal another piece of history—Ben Gates is back, and the treasure hunt is on.

“I’m gonna steal it. Who’s with me?” – Benjamin Franklin Gates, National Treasure