‘National Treasure 3’ in the Works as Franchise Director Says Disney Has Approved the Script

Jon Turteltaub, who directed the original National Treasure (2004), said a third film in the franchise is now in development. Speaking in connection with the franchise, Turteltaub told Deadline that “it’s finally real,” describing the project as “in the works” and adding that the studio has approved the script.

The director’s comments mark a new chapter for a property that has remained culturally visible for decades, anchored by its premise involving the Declaration of Independence and Nicolas Cage’s character. Turteltaub framed the development as delayed but now underway, saying he had been considering whether to disclose details publicly when speaking “tonight.”

Deadline reported that Turteltaub indicated the script had received Disney approval, underscoring that the project has moved beyond early discussions. The report characterizes this approval as the key step that makes National Treasure 3 more than a long-running idea, with production currently positioned as the next phase.

While Disney’s internal development process for National Treasure 3 was not further detailed in the report, the mention of script approval suggests that the project has cleared at least the studio’s initial creative and development review. In film industry terms, script sign-off typically comes after revisions, alignment on tone and story structure, and coordination among creative and business stakeholders, though the specific approval date and next milestones were not provided.

Turteltaub’s statements also place attention back on the franchise’s enduring audience recognition and its reliance on a blend of historical mystery and action-adventure. The original film’s cultural footprint, including its use of American documents and historical symbolism, has kept the franchise broadly recognizable even as negotiations and development timelines stretched over the years.

For Disney, the renewed push is part of a broader pattern in major studio development in which familiar, high-recognition franchises can be used to manage audience expectations while still seeking room for new storytelling. Deadline did not provide additional casting or release information in its report, and no production start date or theatrical timeline was announced.

The next step, based on what was reported, is for the companies involved to move from script approval into formal production planning. Until further announcements are made, details such as where filming would take place, whether original cast members will return, and the film’s distribution path remain unconfirmed publicly.

As National Treasure 3 moves through the development pipeline, the story’s next public milestone will likely come from additional studio updates. Until then, Turteltaub’s confirmation that Disney has approved a script provides the most concrete indicator so far that the third film is progressing from concept into an active production track.