Disney continues to mine its film library for streaming series ideas, and “National Treasure: Edge of History” is part of their wave of shows based on existing film properties. According to original reports about the series, instead of following Nicolas Cage’s Benjamin Gates will pivot to a new female character named Jess Morales, a 20-something DREAMer.
READ MORE: The Essentials: Nicolas Cage’s Best Films
This new reimagining is said to feature Morales, played by Lisette Olivera, and her group of friends going on adventures and uncovering her family history and recovering treasure. Of course, Disney+ is promoting the new series at San Diego Comic-Con and revealed…
“Edge of History” 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 (“Top Gun: Maverick”) is returning alongside writers Marianne and Cormac Wibberley to develop the new series.
I’m sure fans of the films are going to be very curious to see how Disney plans to reimagine the franchise as a series.
It all sounds like a super family-friendly version of “National Treasure” and a bit disappointing that they’ve moved away from Cage, who has been game for return. However, the Oscar-winning actor, who has fallen on tough times with large studio roles in the last decade, suggested to GQ Magazine earlier this year he’s sort of on the outs with Disney after the poor reception of “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” and his other films. Saying that “National Treasure 3” isn’t happening.
Adding this when told about the upcoming show, “When I talk about fair-weather friends in Hollywood, I’m not talking about [Jerry Bruckheimer]. I’m talking about Disney. They’re like an ocean liner. Once they go in a certain direction, you’ve got to get a million tugboats to try to swivel it back around.”
We’re still waiting on a release date for “Edge of History” but it’s been confirmed the Disney+ series will have a 10-episode run for its first season. Watch the new teaser and featurette below.