Disney+ is set to release an exciting new adventure series, as a spin-off to a much-loved franchise drops on the streaming platform later this year. National Treasure: Edge of History acts as a spin-off to the Nicolas Cage-led National Treasure franchise, that began with 2004’s eponymous film and continued with its 2007 sequel Book of Secrets.
The 10-episode series is helmed by American husband and wife screenwriting team Cormac and Marianne Wibberley – who also co-wrote the films. Much of the creative team behind the films are returning for Edge of History, so it promises to have a similar tone to its predecessors.
The National Treasure films were poorly received by critics, but almost 20 years since the first film was released, the franchise has become something of a cult classic, with a third installment also in the works. But before then, you can get your treasure-hunting fix with this compelling new series.
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Here, we break down everything you need to know about National Treasure: Edge of History.
What is it about?
Jess Valenzuela is grieving the loss of her mother. She doesn’t know her father – who died when she was young – but was always told he was a reckless, no-good thief.
Her life is turned upside-down when an enigmatic stranger gives her a clue to a centuries-old treasure – that might be connected to her father. Jess has a knack for solving puzzles, and her skills are put to the test as she and her friends follow a series of clues hidden in American artefacts and landmarks.
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But in the race to find history’s greatest lost treasure and uncover the truth about her family’s past, Jess must outsmart a dangerous black-market antiquities dealer.
Who are the cast?
As it stands, the only actors confirmed as reprising their role from the films are Justin Bartha – who returns as Riley Poole, computer expert and friend of Cage’s Ben Gates – and Harvey Keitel – returning as FBI Agent Peter Sadusky. The series is fronted by up-and-coming American actress Lisette Olivera, who most recently starred in 2021 horror We Need to Do Something.
She stars as 20-year-old Jess Valenzuela, a Mexican-American who is mourning the loss of her mother and embarks on a quest to uncover her family history. Zuri Reed stars as Tasha – Jess’ best friend and roommate – alongside Antonio Cipriano – starring as Tasha’s boyfriend, Oren.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Marianne said Tasha and Oren serve as the treasure-seeking accomplices to Jess – much like Riley served Ben in the films – adding that Tasha is the “tech person” while Oren is the conspiracy nut. Lady Bird actor Jordan Rodrigues stars as Ethan, described by Marianne as “the lawyer and the skeptic” who gets “drawn into the treasure hunt.”
Despite their being a significant lack of Nicolas Cage in the series, the showrunners do have plans for how to include him should it get renewed for a second season. Cormac told EW how the potential relationship between Ben Gates and Jess is comparable to that of Marvel’s Tony Stark and Peter Parker.
“That’s basically how we saw the relationship if Ben Gates ever showed up,” he said. “She’s basically Peter Parker to him and would be like, ‘Oh my God, it’s Ben Gates! What do I do?’ That’s how our universe is.
“We would love to bring any of the other veterans if we get another season. We have roles for all of them.”
Also starring in Edge of History is Catherine Zeta-Jones as Billie Pearce. Sporting a blonde bob, the Welsh actress plays a wealthy black-market antiquities dealer who will do whatever it takes to find the lost treasure.
When is National Treasure: Edge of History released?
The first two episodes of National Treasure: Edge of History are available to stream on Disney+ from Wednesday, December 14, with further episodes dropping weekly.
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