It's finally happening. Benjamin Franklin Gates is set to make a triumphant return as the third installment of the National Treasure franchise is officially official. Director Jon Turteltaub made the announcement at Philadelphia's inaugural National Treasure weekend during a conversation with Aubrey Paris and Emily Black of the National Treasure Hunt podcast.
"I have not said anything before this, but you deserve to have the scoop," the director said to a room full of stunned onlookers. "It’s finally real. Now, it’s Hollywood real, meaning things could happen. Nic [Cage] gets hit by a bus, there’s no National Treasure 3. If I get hit by a bus, there’s probably a National Treasure 3. Welcome to Hollywood."
Fans have been clamoring for a follow
up to 2007's National Treasure: Book of Secrets, but nothing had looked promising until now.
‘NATIONAL TREASURE 3’ is officially in development, according to director Jon Turteltaub.
— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) August 22, 2026
Nicolas Cage is expected to return as Benjamin Franklin Gates.
(Via: https://t.co/5tUw6NOtaM) pic.twitter.com/VnGx4cEImU
Nicolas Cage, the star of the franchise, is expected to reprise his role as Gates, with Turteltaub saying "to whatever extent we can, everyone’s back." While there's no information on potential release dates, fans of the series will be sure to be looking for clues.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Director confirms 'National Treasure 3' is officially in development
