Ben looks on dramatically in National Treasure There are several reasons why National Treasure 3 needs to happen, but one reason comes from Nicolas Cage’s explanation for his iconic line in the movie. The widely quoted, “I’m gonna steal the Declaration of Independence,” is one of the most memorable aspects of National Treasure, largely because of Cage’s excellent delivery. The line has followed Cage throughout his career due to its sheer absurdity, but with good reason. It is just that good.

The recent National Treasure 3 updates have hinted that the threequel is in the works, despite several high-profile actors and Cage himself saying that the movie is unlikely. However, there is still hope that a National Treasure 3 story will happen in the next few years given the success of the first two movies and the recent reports on the possibility of a third big-screen installment. One thing is certain, Cage absolutely nailed his performance in National Treasure, and his iconic line is the exact reason why National Treasure 3 should happen.

Nicolas Cage Understood That Ben’s Mission Was Not Funny For The Character

Cage Took The Role Seriously Because Ben Did

Nicolas Cage carrying the Declaration of Independence in National Treasure

The juxtaposition of him and Justin Bartha, who plays Riley, talking about the beauty and significance of the Declaration, only to be followed by Cage’s character Ben announcing his plans to steal it works so well. In an interview with Vanity Fair where Cage rewatches scenes from some of his movies, Cage reveals that he knew the iconic National Treasure line was ridiculous. Describing the key to portraying characters like Benjamin Gates, Cage talked about how playing the role and delivering the lines seriously is what sells the character.

In reference to him and Bartha in the famous scene where Cage says the line about stealing the Declaration, Cage says, “the fact that we played it like dramatic actors makes it even more funny than it might’ve been if it was slapstick.” In other words, the absurdity of the notion, combined with its serious delivery, is ultimately what makes it such a standout line. The famous line is silly to Cage and the viewers who have quoted it online, but it holds a serious meaning for Ben. That is why Cage plays Ben and delivers his lines in such a deadpan manner throughout National Treasure.

Nicolas Cage Knows How To Play A Funny Character Without Making Fun Of Them

Nicolas Cage Is A Master At Becoming His Characters

Nicolas Cage holding a surfboard in The Surfer (2025) Nicolas Cage as Memphis Raines in Gone in 60 Seconds taking his sunglasses off Nicolas Cage as Balthazar in The Sorcerer's Apprentice Red Rock West Nicolas Cage Nicolas Cage points two golden guns in Face/Off Nicolas Cage holding a surfboard in The Surfer (2025) Nicolas Cage as Memphis Raines in Gone in 60 Seconds taking his sunglasses off Nicolas Cage as Balthazar in The Sorcerer's Apprentice Red Rock West Nicolas Cage Nicolas Cage points two golden guns in Face/Off

Cage’s principle in playing the character earnestly and really believing in the character’s actions lines up with his other roles as well. The 1997 hit Face/Off holds a similar level of ridiculousness as National Treasure, but the movie works because Cage takes his role seriously. He follows through with the dialogue and actions as if he really were the character, rather than just playing a part. Cage has a history of excellently playing complex characters, and his performance as Benjamin Gates is just one example.

Benjamin Gates Is Too Great Of A Character For National Treasure 3 Not To Happen

Ben’s Character Is Just One Reason To Continue The Franchise

Nicolas Cage as Ben Gates in National Treasure 2 looking concerned

Beyond Cage’s unbelievable talent at bringing Ben to life, Ben is also an incredible character on his own. His drive, passion, and intelligence set him up as a very intriguing character who is drawn to mysterious and lost treasures. Ben is also compelled to do the right thing, as it was his loyalty to justice that led him to steal the Declaration of Independence in the first place so that it would not fall into the wrong hands.

The combination of Ben’s character and Cage’s performance offers so much potential that National Treasure 3 never happening would be a huge missed opportunity. The concept behind the films yields all sorts of possibilities when it comes to the adventures he could embark on, yet only two movies were devoted to his stories. If this was amended with a third movie, it could see Nicolas Cage return to one of his most popular roles in what is sure to be an unforgettable threequel.

However, a recent update from Nicolas Cage has seemingly snuffed out any possibility for his return as Ben, as Cage said that “there is no National Treasure 3.” However definitive, the quote was largely overshadowed by National Treasure’s director, Jon Turteltaub. In an exciting development that contradicts Cage’s previous quotes, Turteltaub has said that a National Treasure 3 script is currently being written.

The director said that the creation of National Treasure 3 will largely depend on the quality of the script, but that the possibility exists. The news follows the latest of a string of updates regarding the potential threequel. Despite nothing being certain at the moment, the chance that Cage will return as the highly quoted Benjamin Gates is highly exciting.