Director Says ‘National Treasure 3’ Is “Finally Real” With a Script, Disney Franchises Next Chapter in Development

A director tied to Disney’s National Treasure franchise said the long-discussed third movie is now “finally real,” adding that “we have a script.” The comments, reported on Aug. 22 by The Hollywood Reporter, renew attention on National Treasure 3, which would follow the 2004 and 2007 releases starring Nicolas Cage as treasure hunter Ben Gates.

Disney’s National Treasure films introduced Gates as a history-and-riddle driven protagonist, blending adventure elements with lore and puzzle solving. The first film arrived in 2004 and the second followed in 2007, both featuring Cage reprising Gates, establishing a mainstream audience for the series’ mix of action and artifacts-themed storytelling.

In the latest update, The Hollywood Reporter reported that the director indicated the project has advanced beyond preliminary conversation, describing the current status as having a script ready. The reporting frames the announcement as a practical step toward production rather than a purely conceptual development update.

The remarks also arrive amid a period when major studios have leaned into existing film properties with built-in recognition. For National Treasure, the director’s statement suggests that the creative groundwork is now in hand, which can be a prerequisite for later stages such as casting discussions, scheduling, and formal production planning.

While additional details such as production dates, whether original cast members beyond Cage are confirmed, and which creative team will be attached were not included in the provided report summary, the central point is that a script exists. That shift can affect timelines because it allows studios and filmmakers to begin aligning budgets, locations, and post-production needs around a defined story.

For audiences, the update is a reminder that the series’ return remains in motion. For the studio, having a script can also change how stakeholders evaluate risk, costs, and release strategy, since story structure influences downstream decisions including visual effects scope and marketing plans.