Why Nicolas Cage Isn't Confirmed for National Treasure 3

The excitement at Comic-Con New York felt almost cinematic—then a single comment turned that buzz into a cautious pause. Fans heard director John Turteltaub speak as if the next treasure hunt were already in motion and that Nicolas Cage would return as Benjamin Franklin Gates. It was the kind of headline that makes message boards light up and travel plans for fictional maps feel suddenly urgent.

For anyone who needs a refresher: Disney launched the National Treasure saga in 2004 with Cage leading as treasure-hunting historian Benjamin Franklin Gates. The sequel, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, followed in 2007, and the franchise has since expanded into prequel novels and a steady current of fan theories about lost relics and hidden clues. Longtime viewers have been waiting—patiently or not so patiently—for a third chapter.

So did Cage just sign on? Not exactly. At Comic-Con, Cage responded to Turteltaub’s upbeat remarks with a wry smile and a reminder that excitement doesn’t equal paperwork. He pointed out—gently and with a touch of humor—that the director had spoken too soon, before any official agreement was finalized. Directors love to share big ideas. Actors prefer ink on a contract.

He hasn’t signed on for National Treasure 3—yet.

That single sentence changes the tone of the rumor mill. It doesn’t slam the door. It merely moves the hinges. Cage didn’t rule out a return; he simply clarified that his participation isn’t locked in. Negotiations still matter, schedules still matter, and studios still crank the gears behind closed doors. In Hollywood, enthusiasm often precedes agreement—but it doesn’t replace it.

What this means for fans is a mixed bag of hope and patience. There’s still a genuine chance to see Cage don the Gates mantle again and follow a fresh trail of clues across the globe. At the same time, the public chatter from Turteltaub’s appearances—first at Comic-Con New York, then at an event in Philadelphia—turned optimism into premature certainty for some viewers. Cage’s candid pushback is a reminder that film announcements are as much about timing as they are about intent.

Disney has the keys to a beloved adventure franchise, and a properly staged return would be welcomed. Whether negotiations conclude quickly or drag out across months, one thing remains true: audiences want a story that honors the first films’ pulse—brains, heart, and the thrill of discovery. Keep watching the casting updates and studio releases. The map hasn’t been fully revealed, but the next chapter could still be buried in plain sight.