- Primary Subject: Nicolas Cage's potential return as Benjamin Gates in National Treasure 3
- Key Update: Nicolas Cage sets the record straight on his rumored return in the third National Treasure movie.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: October 12, 2026
- Quick Answer: Nicolas Cage hasn't signed on for National Treasure 3 yet, jokingly stating he would return if Benjamin Gates goes after the relevant Epstein files.
Nicolas Cage recently revealed one specific condition for his potential return as Benjamin Gates in the third National Treasure movie.
After years of development, director Jon Turteltaub revealed that the long-gestated third installment of the National Treasure franchise is finally happening. Fans have been looking forward to seeing what they have in store and whether Cage will also reprise his iconic role.
Is Nicolas Cage Returning as Benjamin Gates in National Treasure 3?
At a recent New York Comic-Con panel (via The Hollywood Reporter), Nicolas Cage addressed the possibility of returning as Benjamin Gates in National Treasure 3.
He shot down the speculation that he has agreed to reprise his role, despite what the filmmaker said about the project.
"Like Jonathan Turteltaub, he gets a microphone in his hand, and he goes to Philadelphia and says, 'We’re doing National Treasure 3, and Nic’s coming.' I’m like, 'No, I didn’t sign up for that. You got to get these microphones out of these directors’ hands,'" the Oscar winner said. "We’ll see if I want to get together with it."
Cage jokingly suggested one condition for how he would agree to return as Benjamin Gates and pitched a storyline that the third movie should tackle.
"Ben Gates is going after the Epstein files. That would be relevant. I’ll make that movie," he added.
So far, Turteltaub has not responded to Cage's remarks about his potential involvement in National Treasure 3.
What's the Latest Update on National Treasure 3?
In an interview last August, Jon Turteltaub shared that the third National Treasure movie is "happening" and suggested Disney is eager to move forward with the project officially.
"It’s happening. You’re the first people I’ve said this out loud to. I have not said anything before this, but you deserve to have the scoop. It’s finally real. Now, it’s ‘Hollywood real,’ meaning things could happen. Nic gets hit by a bus, there’s no National Treasure 3. If I get hit by a bus, there’s probably a National Treasure 3. Welcome to Hollywood," the filmmaker said.
Not only that, Turteltaub confirmed that there is a script the studio is happy with and will likely greenlight.
"We finally have a script that I like. [Disney has also said,] 'OK, this sounds like a movie we can make,'" he added.
For now, stay tuned for updates in the coming months regarding whether the project will officially move forward.
Keep it locked on Epicstream, your go-to site for film, TV, and celebrity coverage!