Disney is currently hard at work on a new series for Disney+ based on the 2004 film, National Treasure, and its follow-up 2007 film, National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets. Disney announced the series back in March 2021 — and they also shared that they wanted to be able to finally make the third film in the franchise that fans had been expecting. At the time the series was announced, no casting information was given, but we have since learned that Lisette Alexis will star as Jess Morales and Catherine Zeta-Jones will star as Billie.
It is also now being revealed that the National Treasure series will star one of the film’s original actors. Justin Bartha played Riley Poole — a computer expert — in both films. We can confirm that Bartha has signed on to officially reprise his role as Poole in the new show. Disney had stated that they wanted the show to be an expansion of the franchise, so Bartha’s character will be the definitive link between the two.
The new National Treasure series will focus on 20-year-old DREAMer Jess Morales, who sets off on an incredible journey to discover the secrets of her family’s history and uncover a legendary lost treasure. In addition to Bartha, Alexis, and Zeta-Jones, the series will also star Lyndon Smith as Agent Ross, Armando Riesco as Agent Hendricks, and Tommy Savas as Dr. Zeke Hudson.
The Disney series is currently filming in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It is being produced by legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer — who also produced the first two National Treasure films. Bruckheimer has also confirmed that is he one of the producers of the third National Treasure film, which has only been announced at this time. Rick Muirragui will serve as both a writer and an executive producer. Cormac and Marianne Wibberley — who were the writers on the first two films — are also returning to write the series and executive produce.
Disney has not announced a Disney+ premiere date for the new National Treasure series, but it is expected to premiere sometime in 2023. At this time, we do not know if Bartha, or costars Nicolas Cage or Diane Kruger, will also be returning for the third National Treasure movie.
