National Treasure 3 has been a long time coming, after the first two films were released in 2004 and 2007. But if the last decade or so has taught us anything, it’s that it’s never too late for a great sequel to emerge years later and show us a good time.
Now, the film’s screenwriter Ted Elliot has shared a progress update on the anticipated sequel, dropping some story and character teases for fans to check out.
In a recent interview with the National Treasure Hunt podcast (via ScreenRant), Elliot spills some new details about National Treasure 3, including revealing that “nobody has gotten it yet” when it comes to what the treasure will be.
Elliot also reveals that he’s now finished a first draft, though it still needs rewrites. As for who could appear in the new movie, the screenwriter reveals that he intends for familiar faces beyond Ben, Abigail, and Riley to return, and that the film will include multiple antagonists.
Check out some of his other comments about the story below:
“Riley has changed more [than anybody else.] If you just look at the two points that are established for him in the first and second movies. 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’s continued. 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. […]
Agent Sudusky is dead. I’m treating the TV series as canon […] 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.”
So the show and first two films are canon and they will play into this third film. It’s cool to hear that he’s got a fresh take on a new story that fans will also enjoy. Stay tuned for more updates on the film as it moves forward.
