The National Treasure TV series that was first revealed to be in development last May has now been greenlit by Disney+ with a 10-episode order.
A reimagining of the beloved action-mystery franchise, Disney+’s National Treasure series will explore the timely issues of identity, community, historical authorship, and patriotism, told from the point of view of a 20-year-old Latina named Jess Morales, who, with her diverse group of friends, sets off on the adventure of a lifetime to uncover her mysterious family history and recover lost treasure.
Jerry Bruckheimer, producer of the first two National Treasure movies, is working on the series, along with original franchise writers Marianne and Cormac Wibberley. Mira Nair, who is best known for directing the BAFTA-nominated movies Salaam Bombay! and Monsoon Wedding, is set to direct the project.
While Nicolas Cage’s Benjamin Gates, the protagonist of the National Treasure movies, won’t likely appear in the Disney+ series, there’s hope that fans will see him again in a third National Treasure film currently in the works.
Bad Boys for Life scribe Chris Bremner, who has been attached to the big-screen project since January 2020, is the one writing the movie. It will be directed by Jon Turtletaub, who helmed the first two National Treasure movies.
Bruckheimer’s May 2020 update on National Treasure 3 was great news for fans, especially after Turtletaub revealed back in 2018 that Disney had no plans for a third movie. “It’s a no,” Turteltaub said of Disney’s initial decision on the third movie at the time. “I would love there to be. Nic (Cage) is like, in wardrobe right now. Jerry Bruckheimer is ready to go. We would love to.”
Apparently, Disney had a change of heart and the movie remains in active development even after several script revisions.
Additional details about Disney+’s National Treasure series, including casting, are expected be announced soon.