Original National Treasure Director Addresses Whether Cancelled Disney+ Show Would Impact Movie

Summary Jon Turteltaub believes Edge of History won't affect National Treasure 3, emphasizing the different formats and creative teams involved.

The National Treasure franchise's success depends on Cage and Turteltaub, as Edge of History's lack of impact led to its cancelation.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Cage's return, Turteltaub confirms National Treasure 3 is in the works, hinting at possible familiar faces.

Original director Jon Turteltaub addresses whether the canceled Disney+ show, Edge of History, will impact National Treasure 3. Disney's action-adventure franchise began with the original 2004 film and was followed by the 2007 sequel Book of Secrets, both of which starred Nicolas Cage and were directed by Turteltaub, grossing over a combined $800 million at the box office. The Disney+ spinoff series, Edge of History, was released in 2023 without the involvement of Cage or Turteltaub and was canceled after one season. Meanwhile, National Treasure 3 remains in development.

During a recent appearance on the National Treasure Hunt podcast, Turteltaub addressed whether the axed Edge of History will impact National Treasure 3. Overall, the original director doesn't think the cancelation of the Disney+ show will have any impact on the movie. In addition, he doesn't anticipate any crossover plotwise. Read his full comments below:

Realistically, I don't think so. That was a Disney+ television-feeling show done by Disney+ television-feeling people and the movie will be more in the feature world. Although at this point, it is also Disney+. None of us feel that way. We don't feel let down by the series or buoyed by the series. We just always thought, "We're us and they're them."

Nicolas Cage & Jon Turteltaub Are Necessary For National Treasure's Success

Edge Of History Was Made Without Their Involvement

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Although they received mixed reviews from critics, the National Treasure movies were met with positive reception from audiences, massive returns at the box office, and earned a significant standing in popular culture. Although Justin Bartha and Harvey Keitel reprised their roles, National Treasure: Edge of History was made without Cage or Turteltaub's involvement, failed to have any cultural impact, and was promptly canceled after one season. This proves that National Treasure 3 can only be made with Cage and Turteltaub's involvement.

What's The Status Of National Treasure 3?

It's Endure Years Of Development Hell

Though Cage and Turteltaub's involvement is undoubtedly necessary for National Treasure's success, getting them both on board for a threequel has proven to be a difficult feat. National Treasure 3 was first announced in 2008 and went on to endure years of development hell. Though Cormac and Marianne Wibberly worked on the first two films, Chris Bremner was hired to write the new script. A director has not officially been hired, though Turteltaub should be considered the frontrunner.

Related Disney Needs National Treasure 3 Far More Than Nicolas Cage Does (Which Explains The Confusing Updates) National Treasure 3 has gotten several confusing updates recently due to the fact that Disney needs the franchise sequel way more than Nic Cage does.

In March 2024, Cage said that he has no interest in returning for National Treasure 3. Yet, during his recent appearance on the podcast, Turteltaub said that the third movie is definitely happening with the original cast, including Cage, and there is also a chance that previous adversaries might return. Right now, there is some contradictory information about the status of National Treasure 3, though if one thing is certain, Cage and Turteltaub are necessary for its success.

The National Treasure movies are streaming on Disney+.

Source: National Treasure Hunt