Jon Turteltaub, director of the original National Treasure, defends Nicolas Cage’s pessimistic responses regarding National Treasure 3. Released in 2004, the first installment in the hit action adventure franchise introduces Cage as Ben Gates, a man with a passion for both history and treasure hunting. After a sequel was released in 2007, a third film has struggled to get off the ground, but development for National Treasure 3 is said to be ongoing. For his part, however, Cage has expressed doubt a third film will happen, saying earlier this year, “There is no National Treasure 3.”

In a recent interview on the National Treasure Hunt podcast, Turteltaub is asked about Cage’s pessimistic comments regarding National Treasure 3. According to the director, Cage has reason to be dubious, as he’s undoubtedly seen countless projects fall apart over the course of his long career. He stresses, however, that Cage would definitely return if the film eventually gets off the ground. Check out Turteltaub’s full comment below:

“I would start by saying I don’t know if he’s as pessimistic as you say he is. And if his quotes seemed pessimistic, sometimes “cautious” might be a better word. Or “not keeping his hopes up” is a better way of putting it. One of the reasons Nic feels that way is that he’s been making movies for forty years and that’s exactly how the movie business goes. Things mostly don’t work out.

“So you go from…when you’re twenty you have real enthusiasm, ‘Your movie’s going to get made! Your movie’s going to get made!’ And then eventually you’re like, ‘Maybe I don’t know. When they tell me to show up for work then I know the movie is getting made.’ But I’m not spending energy on thinking, hoping, and getting disappointed later…

“So I think what Nic is mostly thinking is, he’s heard a thousand times, ‘Oh, we’re getting it made, we’re going to do it. Great, the public wants it.’ And then nothing happens. So when it happens, if it happens, he’s going to be thrilled. It will be great. And I think we’re going to make a good movie from what I can tell.”

Why National Treasure 3 Is More Likely Now Than Ever Before

Ben Gates’ Next Adventure Is In The Works

Talk of National Treasure 3 has been persistent pretty much since National Treasure: Book of Secrets. The sequel draws attention to the mysterious page 47 of the President’s Book and never answers what’s on it, setting the stage for a new adventure for Ben, Abigail (Diane Kruger), and Riley (Justin Bartha). Like many Hollywood sequels, however, the project languished in development hell and there didn’t seem to be a compelling enough story idea to justify returning.

Although both movies received somewhat mixed reviews from critics, the first film, in particular, has gone down as a favorite in Cage’s vast filmography, standing the test of time. National Treasure serves as a fun, family-friendly action adventure film, and it, along with its sequel, was a box office success. Recently, franchise producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed his interest in continuing the franchise, and Turteltaub himself has said that a script for National Treasure 3 is currently in the hands of a “very good writer.”

Cage himself has experienced something of a popularity resurgence in recent years, starring in well-received movies like The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Pig, Mandy, and Dream Scenario. The success of some of Cage’s recent movies is sure to only make National Treasure 3 even more of a priority for Turteltaub and Bruckheimer. It remains unclear whether National Treasure 3 will ever actually happen, but it certainly seems like there’s reason to be optimistic.

Source: National Treasure Hunt