I like Nicolas Cage. Not in a “man-crush” type way, but whenever one of his movies comes on I can’t keep myself from watching it. Even the really bad ones like Bangkok Dangerous and Wicker Man. It’s true that Cage has made some questionable, if not bad, role choices in the past two decades *cough Next, Amos and Andrew cough*.

His one truly great decision was to star in director Jon Turteltaub’s (Disney’s The Kid) American history family film, National Treasure.  The first film surprised a lot of critics when it took in over $300 million worldwide and the sequel, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, had an even better haul with over $450 million worldwide. With family audiences giving their seal of approval via ticket sales, it really wasn’t a question of “If” but rather “When” National Treasure 3 would be released.

At a recent sneak preview of Cage’s next family-oriented action film The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed what most of us thought would eventually happen:

“We are developing a script [for National Treasure 3] now.”

That statement was verified just a couple of days later at Wonder Con when it was announced the Carlo Bernard and Doug Miro, who co-wrote both upcoming films Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, would be handling the script writing duties on National Treasure 3.

There has been no confirmation on any of the cast yet, but unless something really wonky happens, I see no reason why all of the main people (Nicolas Cage, Justin Bartha, Diane Kruger, Jon Voight) wouldn’t return to reprise their roles. Bruckheimer, Turtelaub and Disney are, after all, a sure fire recipe for summer action fun.

What hasn’t been discussed publicly is where the story will go. Turteltaub did say what it wouldn't be, by denying that our intrepid historians would see out the mythical city of Atlantis:

"I should go on the internet and find the script and you get those uncsolicited emails from the 9-year-old from Kansas with Atlantis every time."

Nicolas Cage, Jerry Bruckheimer, Jon Turteltaub

While the National Treasure franchise has been fun and action-packed, it’s not really known for its historical accuracy. But does it really have to be? I’m pretty sure people can watch the History channel if they want a more accurate description of the founding fathers of the United States of America. I’ll watch movies if I want to see lemon juice rubbed on the back of the US Constitution.

There aren’t really that many remaining options available to the writers involving treasures of a national significance. I suppose they could hunt for the lost colony of Roanoke or perhaps they can focus on “Page 47” of the President’s Book of Secrets from film number 2? Either way I’m game for a 3rd film.

What do you think about National Treasure 3 and what do you think the story should be about?

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Source: Hit Flix, Coming Soon