National Treasure 3: Justin Bartha says the stars can still align for a third Nicolas Cage film

Last Updated on December 30, 2022

Disney+ is currently continuing the National Treasure franchise with the series National Treasure: Edge of History, starring the likes of Catherine Zeta-Jones and even features a returning character with Justin Bartha reprising his role as Riley Poole. Setting the new show within the universe of the first two Jon Turteltaub-directed films meant the possibility of Nicolas Cage making an appearance. However, Bartha wouldn’t count out a National Treasure 3, according to Variety.

When inquired about the third movie’s script that producer Jerry Bruckheimer claims is finished, Bartha replies,

There is a script. That’s all I’ll say. There have been a few different scripts, actually, but the one thing that has to happen is for all the stars to align. I had seen something awhile ago, and it was solid, but the unsung hero of these movies that doesn’t get mentioned as much is Jon Turteltaub. Those movies really are an extension of his being. He is very smart and funny, and has a buoyancy to him that mirrors the tone of the movies. I think he has to feel really comfortable and feel like he can see the movie before it happens — and it is getting closer to that.”

Bartha stated how much he loved playing Riley in the previous films and felt passionate about a National Treasure 3 to complete the trilogy, which is why he initially was hesitant about the show and coming back in this vein. “To be honest, I didn’t jump aboard right away. But after talking with [the producers] and looking at my daughters, it was tough to turn my back.” Bartha elaborated, “I was skeptical at first if I’m going to be honest. But when I looked past my initial skepticism, I was excited to see what it was going to be. And I’ve known the Wibberleys [the writers of the films] for a long time, and Jon [Turteltaub] and Jerry [Bruckheimer] were involved. I knew the heart was in the right place, and they would respect the spirit of the franchise.”

The show is currently streaming on Disney+ and will be releasing an episode every week on the streaming service. Do you still want to see a National Treasure 3?