If you’re hoping that Disney is going to come up with a ton of new, original IP for its Disney+ streaming service, you’re absolutely crazy. Why would the biggest studio on the planet try to reinvent the wheel when it has a car sitting on wheels made of Pixar, Marvel, “Star Wars,” and its own Disney library? Don’t be silly. And with that, it’s time to announce the next big Disney+ project, a reimagining of “National Treasure.” Yep, “National Treasure.”
According to Deadline, Disney+ has given the green light to a 10-episode first season of “National Treasure,” inspired by the original film franchise starring Nicolas Cage. But, wait, film fans. Before you get excited about Nicolas Cage coming to Disney+, the new “National Treasure” is a reimagining of the film series and will transfer the lead from Cage’s Benjamin Gates character to a new creation, Jess Morales, a 20-something DREAMer. Instead of seeing Nic Cage go around talking about stealing the Declaration of Independence, this new “National Treasure” is going to feature Morales and her group of friends going on adventures and uncovering her family history and recovering treasure. So, yeah, an even more family-friendly version of “National Treasure.”
This version of “National Treasure” will be directed by Mira Nair, the acclaimed filmmaker behind features such as “Monsoon Wedding,” “Vanity Fair,” and “Queen of Katwe.” Original producer Jerry Bruckheimer also returns with writers Marianne and Cormac Wibberley to shape the new series, with the Wibberley’s providing scripts once again.
As a well-documented fan of Nicolas Cage and all the Cage-iness that comes with the actor, I have to admit, it’s a shame that it doesn’t appear the actor has a role in this new iteration. Of course, it is Disney+ and the studio is hoping the platform appeals to a ton of people and families in particular, so you can’t really invest a ton of money in a Cage-led TV franchise. But damn, I wish Disney did. At least give the man a role in the pilot, please?
No release date has been set for this new “National Treasure.”