It appears that the new National Treasure TV series has found its baddie. Disney is reviving the renowned adventure franchise, this time with a new story and characters in mind.
According to a new report from The Illuminerdi, Catherine Zeta-Jones has been offered the role of Billie, a "ruthless crypto-currency billionaire" who acts as the central villain of the series.
However, no word yet on whether Zeta-Jones has accepted the role in the National Treasure TV show, but production is expected to begin early this year.
National Treasure TV Series: What’s It All About?
The National Treasure TV series, which will stream on Disney+, is about a young woman who is looking for answers about her family and a Pan-American treasure. In the series, Lisette Alexis plays the lead, and cinematic great Zeta-Jones may portray her nemesis.
Jess (Alexis), the main character in National Treasure, is a DREAMer who suspects there is more to her family than she has been told. She has been described as a "brilliant and resourceful mind" who enjoys a good mystery and has a "natural talent for solving puzzles." As she begins to learn mysteries about her parents and other family members, she discovers ties to a long-hidden treasure.
Will We See Benjamin Gates?
The role played by Nicolas Cage in both National Treasure films, Benjamin Franklin Gates, will not appear in the TV series. The show, however, is defined as an "extension" of the films, implying that they all reside in the same reality.
So, while Benjamin isn't a major character on the program, he may have some impact over the other characters. Eventually, the narrative of Benjamin will be told in the third National Treasure feature film, which is still in the works at Walt Disney Studios.
Previously, Jerry Bruckheimer produced the two Cage films for Disney and is returning to executive produce the National Treasure TV series. Director Jon Turteltaub and writers Marianne and Cormac Wibberly are on hand to help him.
The pilot episode of the TV show will be written by the two Wibberlys in collaboration with Rick Muirragui. The debut will be directed by Mira Nair. The first episode of National Treasure is scheduled to begin production in early 2022.
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