James Oconner 
Anil Krishna 
Jonathan Millar 
National Treasure 3: Nicolas Cage Says He Hasn’t Signed On, Jokes About an Epstein Files Plot
© Walt Disney
It looks like fans may have to wait a little longer to see Nicolas Cage return as Benjamin Gates. Despite recent claims that National Treasure 3 was finally moving ahead with its original star, Cage has now made it clear that he hasn’t actually agreed to appear in the sequel. So, while the film may be making progress behind the scenes, his return is far from confirmed.
Director Jon Turteltaub recently suggested that the long-awaited third movie was officially happening, even saying the script was finished and had received the green light from him and Disney. But Cage has a slightly different version of events, and he didn’t waste the opportunity to have a little fun at the director’s expense.
Nicolas Cage Puts the Brakes on National Treasure 3
Speaking at New York Comic Con, Cage addressed Turteltaub’s comments and joked about how quickly things can get out of hand when a director gets hold of a microphone.
“Look at Jonathan Turteltaub,” Cage said. “You put a microphone in his hand, he goes to Philadelphia, and suddenly he’s saying, ‘We’re making National Treasure 3 and Nic’s in it.’ And I’m sitting there thinking, ‘No, I haven’t signed anything.’ We need to stop handing microphones to directors! We’ll see if I actually feel like doing it.”
Cage was clearly joking around, but his comments also cleared up one important point: he hasn’t committed to the film yet. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has also spoken positively about the sequel’s development, so the project isn’t necessarily in trouble. Still, getting the movie made and getting Cage to return as Benjamin Gates are two different things.
The actor even came up with an alternative story idea that might convince him to sign on. “Ben Gates goes looking for the Epstein files. Now that would be timely. I’d do that movie!” he joked. It’s a very Cage-like suggestion, and certainly a more unexpected direction for the treasure-hunting franchise.
Is National Treasure 3 Still Happening?
For now, the sequel appears to be in development, with the script reportedly completed and Disney still interested in moving forward. The missing piece is Cage himself. Without a confirmed deal with the actor who made Benjamin Gates such a memorable character, there’s still plenty of uncertainty surrounding the project.
The franchise began in 2004 with National Treasure, which followed Gates as he searched for historical clues hidden in America’s past. The adventure continued with 2007’s National Treasure: Book of Secrets, which earned around $460 million worldwide. Both films helped establish the series as a popular mix of history, conspiracy theories, puzzles, and big-screen adventure.
It’s been a long wait for another installment, and fans have heard plenty of encouraging updates over the years. But Turteltaub’s latest comments may have raised expectations a little too soon. Until Cage actually signs on, it’s difficult to say when—or even whether—Benjamin Gates will return. Disney might have a script ready to go, but the real challenge now is getting its leading man to want to make another trip into America’s hidden history.
Source: THR, World of Reel
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