National Treasure was an action-packed Disney movie starring Nicolas Cage. The Jerry Bruckheimer-produced movie successfully combined action and historical elements into a fun film that was similar to a modern-day Indiana Jones. Funnily enough, the film’s star recalled the most iconic of the movie to be “profoundly ridiculous.”
The plot of National Treasure follows a treasure hunter/cryptographer who believes a treasure map is on The Declaration of Independence. To prevent the treasure from going into the wrong hands, he and his computer expert friend decide to steal it. If you felt like that was a far-fetched synopsis, imagine Nicolas Cage’s reaction saying his most absurd yet iconic line from the film.
According to Variety, the Dream Scenario actor was forced to watch himself on Vanity Fair say, “I’m going to steal The Declaration of Independence.” Here’s his hilarious response:
“How do you take something that is so profoundly ridiculous and really try to sell it?” asked Cage as he watched himself. “What I really like about that scene just seeing it again for the first time in however many years is I like the positivity of the character. He really believes this. He really reveres it. I think that’s charming.”
Cage was aware his memorable line from the action-adventure film has been meme’d and parodied so many times. When you think about it, how could it not? The Oscar winner pointed out that what made the line so funny was because of his serious delivery. Declaring the intention to steal a historical artifact is not something anyone would take seriously. So, speaking that line with no chuckle in the end made the scene all the more unforgettable. Cage also made sure to give director Jon Turtelbaum props for the way he shot the meme-worthy scene.
Would Nicolas Cage Return for National Treasure 3?
Three years after National Treasure became a worldwide box office hit, grossing $347 million, along came its sequel, Book of Secrets. This Disney sequel earned even more at the box office at $459 million worldwide. While the Disney+ series National Treasure: Edge of History debuted last December, the network canceled it in April after one season. So, that means we’re still in need of some treasure-hunter heist action.
Jeremy Bruckheimer’s update about National Treasure 3 around the time of the streaming series premiere was that a third movie was “ongoing.” On top of that good news, Bruckheimer said he’s collaborating with Nicolas Cage on a script. There’s still no word yet on any new updates. But it’s excellent to know that Cage could be reprising his well-known role as Benjamin Gates for a third movie.
