There are several reasons whyNational Treasure 3needs 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 ofNational 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 recentNational Treasure 3updateshave hinted thatthe 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 aNational Treasure 3storywill 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 inNational Treasure, and his iconic line is the exact reason whyNational Treasure 3should happen.
Nicolas Cage Understood That Ben’s Mission Was Not Funny For The Character
Cage Took The Role Seriously Because Ben Did
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 withVanity Fairwhere Cage rewatches scenes from some of his movies,Cage reveals that he knew the iconicNational Treasureline was ridiculous. Describing the key to portraying characters like Benjamin Gates, Cage talked about howplaying 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 throughoutNational Treasure.
Nicolas Cage Knows How To Play A Funny Character Without Making Fun Of Them
Nicolas Cage Is A Master At Becoming His Characters
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 hitFace/Offholds a similar level of ridiculousness asNational Treasure, butthe 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
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 characterwho 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 thatNational Treasure 3never 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.
Sean Bean’s National Treasure 3 Return Would Be The Perfect Way To Get The Ball Rolling Again
After all these years, National Treasure 3 needs a nostalgic hook to get audiences back on board, and Sean Bean’s villain would be just the thing.
However, a recentupdate from Nicolas Cagehas seemingly snuffed out any possibility for his return as Ben, asCage said that “there is no National Treasure 3.“However definitive, the quote was largely overshadowed byNational Treasure’sdirector, Jon Turteltaub. In an exciting development that contradicts Cage’s previous quotes, Turteltaub has said that aNational Treasure 3scriptis currently being written.
The director said that the creation ofNational Treasure 3will 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.
Source:Vanity Fair
National Treasure 3
National Treasure 3: The third installment in the National Treasure series follows treasure hunter Benjamin Gates, portrayed by Nicolas Cage, as he embarks on a new quest uncovering historical mysteries and secrets. Released in 2024, the film continues the saga of adventure and discovery seen in the previous National Treasure films.
