Nicolas Cage Confirmed to Return as Ben Gates in National Treasure 3

National Treasure 3 is finally moving forward at Disney, nearly two decades after Ben Gates' last adventure. Director Jon Turteltaub confirmed that a completed script has received studio approval and Nicolas Cage will reprise his role as Gates.

Turteltaub made the announcement during a live event in Philadelphia's Independence Visitor Center, part of the city's first-ever National Treasure Weekend celebration. He noted that the project is now 'Hollywood real,' meaning it could actually happen this time.

The script has reportedly been completed and both Turteltaub and Disney are happy with its direction. Cage had previously downplayed the possibility of a third film, saying there was 'no National Treasure 3' and advising fans to look elsewhere for treasure. However, it seems something has changed, and the filmmakers are now working to reassemble the original cast around Cage.

The first two films grossed $347 million and $459 million respectively, making them some of Cage's most successful live-action work. Turteltaub also mentioned that America's divisive political climate made it harder to move forward with the project, but he hopes the third film will address this polarization without alienating audiences.