‘National Treasure 3’ director says film can’t ignore politics

Jon Turteltaub says growing political divisions delayed the sequel and predicts the finished script will have to grapple with today’s polarized climate

Director Jon Turteltaub said the country’s deepening political divide played a role in the nearly two-decade wait for a third “National Treasure” film, and he predicted the completed sequel will not be able to sidestep politics altogether.

Mr. Turteltaub made the comments Friday during a live recording of the “National Treasure Hunt” podcast in Philadelphia, telling the audience that “National Treasure 3” is now “finally real” with a finished script approved by both him and Disney, according to Fox News Digital.

The original “National Treasure” was released in 2004, followed by “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” in 2007. Mr. Turteltaub directed both films, and Jerry Bruckheimer produced the franchise starring Nicolas Cage.

Explaining the long gap between the second and third movies, Mr. Turteltaub recounted an exchange with former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who had reached out after the first film’s release. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Mr. Turteltaub said McCarthy and others “were surprised that Democrats made that movie,” while some on the left assumed the opposite — that Republicans behind such a film would be hostile and insular. 

Mr. Turteltaub did not detail the new film’s plot but said the script would need to address the current climate without alienating audiences.

“We have to be very careful, but I don’t feel we are allowed to ignore it,” the director said. “I think we have to include that idea in the story somehow without making someone feel put off.”

Mr. Turteltaub joked that the project remains only “Hollywood real” for now, meaning production could still fall apart before filming begins.