Director says "National Treasure 3" script finished but political climate will shape sequel
Jon Turteltaub confirmed a completed script for the third "National Treasure" film and said the current political environment will force the story to address contemporary issues.
Director Jon Turteltaub told a live audience in Philadelphia that a script for "National Treasure 3" has been finished and approved by Disney, making the long-delayed sequel officially "real." He noted that the growing political divide in the United States has complicated development of the historically themed franchise, citing a recent conversation with former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy as an example of the heightened partisan atmosphere.
"We have to be very careful, but I don’t feel we are allowed to ignore it," Turteltaub said, adding that the film will need to incorporate the political climate without alienating viewers. He did not provide plot details but suggested the story will inevitably reflect modern politics. Turteltaub and longtime producer Jerry Bruckheimer have long hinted at a third installment starring Nicolas Cage, though production has not yet begun. Film critic Christian Toto, commenting to Fox News Digital, said the franchise’s shift toward political themes reflects broader industry concerns about patriotism and the partisan split, and argued that keeping the series apolitical might be the safest approach.