Summary
- National Treasure 3 confirmed to embrace spin-off series, “Edge of History,” despite its negative reception.
- Writer Ted Elliot treating the TV show as canon, promising new layers to the franchise with connections.
- Potential for expanded cast, including new characters from “Edge of History,” could be involved in the upcoming film.
National Treasure 3 is one of Disney’s many long-anticipated sequels. The first two films were solid financial and critical successes with a significant fan following who were desperate to see more of Nicolas Cage’s historical mystery movies. Although the recent failure of the franchise’s Disney Plus original series, National Treasure: Edge of History, has cast some doubts on the release of any potential sequels, a recent update on the sequel reveals that the film will embrace the spin-off.
Ted Elliot, writer on the upcoming sequel, recently shared an update on the film’s progress and what the new film will cover. Elliot’s comments not only confirm the canon state of the National Treasure franchise, but also how Edge of History will affect plans for National Treasure 3, going forward. Elliot’s update brings many possibilities for the new film and confirms the franchise has not been put on the chopping block after the Disney Plus show’s 38% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Related
Will Nicolas Cage’s National Treasure 3 ever happen?
Plans for a National Treasure 3 with Nicolas Cage back as the lead have languished in development hell for well over a decade now, with Disney having even attempted a franchise revival in the form of a spinoff Disney+ show that was cancelled after one season. As the 20th anniversary approaches for the original movie, curiosity still remains about a third movie, but the chances of it happening seem to be slimming down as while producer Jerry Bruckheimer remains dedicated to getting it made, Cage’s frustrations at the lack of movement may be too big of a hurdle.
National Treasure 3 Is Treating Edge Of History Season 1 As Canon
In a recent statement on the National Treasure Hunt podcast (via Screen Rant), Ted Elliot simply said “I’m treating the TV series as canon“. National Treasure: Edge of History debuted on Disney Plus in 2022, and despite the franchise’s prolonged absence and eager fan base, it didn’t make much of a ripple with audiences. The series was criticized for not featuring its primary lead character, and despite connections to other National Treasure characters from the films, like Riley, Bartha, Agent Sudusky, and Agent Hendricks, ultimately, a spin-off just didn’t seem to be what audiences wanted. This resulted in the show’s cancelation after one season.
With a fairly consistently negative critical, and commercial, reception, it was reasonable for most to assume that any connections with the series would likely be avoided for any future National Treasure projects. But Elliot’s statements seem to show a complete commitment to every aspect of the franchise, regardless of these factors. This has major implications for what comes next in the franchise, potentially making Edge of History more important than it first seemed.
How National Treasure: Edge Of History Changes National Treasure 3
Incorporating the events of Edge of History could have a major effect on National Treasure 3. Riley, a major supporting character in the films, appeared in the series, now running a successful streaming online show and talking to Nicolas Cage’s Ben, off-screen. The character’s newfound success and enduring friendship with the film’s lead character will almost certainly play a factor in their reunion, confirmed by Elliot when he said:
“ In the first one, he is the uninformed audience… That’s the role he plays. He’s the guy who says, ‘What are you talking about there?’ In the second one, he’s written a book about cryptohistory. And he’s right! He knows something Ben didn’t know about history. I just have to think that that will continue. It becomes more difficult to do the history exposition because … there are things [Riley] can know now. In terms of writing the third movie, there is, I think, a change to Ben and Riley’s inner relationship that I think both actors will really enjoy”.
The major development in the series that will have an impact on the film is the death of Harvey Keitel’s Agent Sadusky. Elliot confirmed that this would affect the film: “Agent Sudusky is dead […] I’m trying to do something different with the FBI than was done in the previous two movies. There’s still the pursuers, there’s still the force for law and order, but just the way they operate, I’m trying to do something just a little bit different“. Decisions made in the series will not only be canon but used as opportunities to bring new approaches to the franchise’s storytelling.
National Treasure 3 Could Bring Back Other Edge Of History Characters Now
With this connection between the film and series confirmed, it opens up the doors for more than just the reunion of Ben, Riley, and Abigail. The newly introduced characters throughout the series may now find themselves wrapped into whatever new mystery Benjamin Gates finds himself caught up in next. The likes of Jess, Rafael, and even Catherine Zeta Jones’ Billie could make all make returns, paving the way for National Treasure 3 to have the series’ most expansive cast yet.
We have seen many franchises take the approach of introducing a new younger crew to work with the originals. The likes of the Jurassic World and Star Wars series prove that it’s a trope that can deliver impressive box office results. National Treasure 3‘s continued development despite the series’ previous failures bodes well for the franchise, and any further adventures with Ben Gates and his friends are sure to be exciting continuations of the modern Disney Classic.
National Treasure
- Character(s)
- Benjamin Franklin Gates , Abigail Chase , Riley Poole , Patrick Gates , Mitch Wilkinson , Emily Appleton
Summary
The National Treasure franchise follows the adventures of Benjamin Franklin Gates, a historian and amateur cryptologist, as he uncovers hidden treasures linked to American history. The series combines historical myths and legends with action-adventure elements, leading Gates on thrilling treasure hunts across various significant landmarks.
