The National Treasure franchise gave audiences two blockbuster films in the 2000s. But why wasn’t a third movie made? Actor Nicholas Cage opens up about why we didn’t see him return third National Treasure movie.
It’s unlikely we’ll see Cage return as Benjamin Gates. Movie star Nicolas Cage recently pointed out that the underwhelming reception to some of his other big-budget movies resulted in studio The Walt Disney Company losing interest in pursuing more films in the series.
Cage expressed his thoughts in detail with GQ in an interview:
“The phone stopped ringing. It was like, ‘What do you mean we’re not doing National Treasure 3? It’s been 14 years. Why not?’… Well, Sorcerer’s Apprentice didn’t work, and Ghost Rider didn’t really sell tickets. And Drive Angry, that just came and went.“
— Nicholas Cage
Even though a third movie wasn’t made with Nicholas Cage, a new National Treasure series is currently being produced for Disney+.
Related: Disney+ New ”National Treasure” series begins filming in Baton Rouge
The live-action series is an expansion of the “National Treasure” movie franchise centered on a young heroine, Jess (Lisette Alexis), a brilliant and resourceful DREAMer who embarks on the adventure of a lifetime to uncover the truth about her family’s mysterious past and save a lost Pan-American treasure.
The series also stars Catherine Zeta-Jones who will portray Billie, a badass billionaire, black-market antiquities expert, and treasure hunter who lives by her own code, Zuri Reed (“Flatbush Misdemeanors”) as Tasha, Jordan Rodrigues as Ethan (“Lady Bird”), Antonio Cipriano as Oren (“Jagged Little Pill” on Broadway”), and Jake Austin Walker (“Rectify”) as Liam – Jess’ friends whom she recruits to help uncover the truth about her parents and their connection to the treasure. Lyndon Smith (“Parenthood”) stars as FBI Agent Ross who assists in the quest.
Jerry Bruckheimer, Cormac & Marianne Wibberley, Jonathan Littman, and Kristie Anne Reed executive produce the series alongside Rick Muirragui, who also serves as a writer. Jon Turteltaub is also an executive producer. Mira Nair is directing and executive producing.
A Disney Branded Television series, “National Treasure” is produced by ABC Signature, part of Disney Television Studios. Production has begun and they are currently fimimg in Baton Rouge.
Related: First Photo Reveals New Cast of the ‘National Treasure’ Series Coming to Disney+
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