National Treasure: Edge of History – The Series That Expanded the Franchise

When fans think of National Treasure, their minds usually go back to Nicolas Cage chasing clues, cracking codes, and uncovering historical secrets in the beloved films from the mid-2000s. In 2022, Disney+ attempted to bring that same treasure-hunting magic to television with the spin-off series National Treasure: Edge of History. While the show aimed to expand the franchise and introduce a new generation of explorers, it had a mixed journey of its own.

The Premise

The series follows Jess Valenzuela (Lisette Olivera), a young, brilliant Dreamer who discovers her family has ties to a long-lost Pan-American treasure. With her friends by her side, Jess sets out on an adventure filled with puzzles, historical mysteries, and dangerous adversaries. Unlike the films, which focused heavily on American history, the show broadened the scope to explore a more diverse cultural heritage across the Americas.

The Cast

Lisette Olivera as Jess Valenzuela – The determined lead character stepping into the treasure-hunting world.
Zuri Reed as Tasha Rivers – Jess’s best friend and tech expert.
Antonio Cipriano as Oren Bradley – A quirky and loyal friend.
Jordan Rodrigues as Ethan Chao – Another member of the group with close ties to Jess.
Catherine Zeta-Jones as Billie Pearce – The wealthy and dangerous black-market antiquities dealer who serves as the main antagonist.

While Nicolas Cage didn’t reprise his role as Benjamin Gates, Edge of History connected to the films through Harvey Keitel returning as FBI Agent Peter Sadusky, as well as appearances by Justin Bartha as Riley Poole, providing a nostalgic link to the original franchise.

Reception

When National Treasure: Edge of History premiered, it generated curiosity but struggled to capture the same magic as the original films. Critics noted that while the cast brought energy, the show leaned heavily into teen drama and lacked the high-stakes intensity that made the movies so beloved.

Fans of the films were also disappointed by the absence of Nicolas Cage, whose eccentric energy was central to the franchise’s identity. Still, the show found an audience that appreciated its fresh perspective and expanded cultural scope.

Cancellation

Despite its ambitious attempt, the series was canceled after just one season in 2023. Disney cited a mix of viewership performance and shifting priorities in streaming content. Many felt the cancellation was inevitable given the lukewarm critical reception, but fans of the franchise still hoped it could pave the way for a return to the big screen.

Why It Still Matters

Even though Edge of History didn’t last, it’s important in showing that there’s still an appetite for the National Treasure universe. The films remain cult favorites, and fans continue to hope for National Treasure 3 with Nicolas Cage returning as Benjamin Gates. In many ways, the series served as a reminder of how much audiences miss that blend of historical intrigue, thrilling puzzles, and Cage’s over-the-top charm.

Conclusion

National Treasure: Edge of History may not have achieved the same legacy as the films, but it tried to keep the treasure-hunting spirit alive for a new generation. For diehard fans of the franchise, it remains a curious side chapter, while the true hope lies in the long-awaited return of Nicolas Cage to the big screen.